News Capsule: Government plans record sale of 10 million tonnes of rice in open market
04-Nov-2025 01:14 PM
News Capsule: Government plans record sale of 10 million tonnes of rice in open market
★ The Indian government is preparing to sell a record 10 million tonnes (100 lakh tonnes) of rice from its surplus stocks in the open market during the ongoing fiscal year (2025–26). This target also includes additional allocations for the ethanol production program.
★ The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has so far sold 6.1 million tonnes of rice this fiscal year through various channels — including open market sales, state allocations, ethanol manufacturing, and the “Bharat Rice” initiative. From November 1, an additional 1.75 million tonnes of rice have been allocated to ethanol units.
★ In comparison, during FY 2024–25, FCI had sold a total of 4.63 million tonnes of rice — comprising 1.12 million tonnes for state welfare schemes, 1.96 million tonnes under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), and 2.3 million tonnes for ethanol production.
★ Despite these sales, central rice stocks continue to rise. As of October 1, 2025, the central pool held over 44 million tonnes of rice — more than three times the required buffer stock of 10.25 million tonnes. Around 10 million tonnes are yet to be received from millers.
★ Each year, FCI and state agencies procure about 52–53 million tonnes of rice from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), while around 36–38 million tonnes are distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).