The stock of wheat in the central pool has decreased, while the stock of rice/paddy has increased significantly.

12-Feb-2025 10:36 AM

The stock of wheat in the central pool has decreased, while the stock of rice/paddy has increased significantly.
Wheat:
★ As of February 1, 2025, the wheat stock in the central pool is 16.174 million tons. At this time, wheat is being sold through the OMSS (Open Market Sale Scheme) and also through PDS (Public Distribution System).
★ The stock has decreased by 2.237 million tons since January 2025. On February 1, 2024, the stock was 13.266 million tons, and on February 1, 2023, it was 15.444 million tons.
★ The stock in 2025 has increased by 2.908 million tons compared to 2024, and by 0.73 million tons compared to 2023.
★ The stock is 2.374 million tons higher than the norm (13.8 million tons).
★ The government has managed to maintain the supply situation by making repeated changes to the rules, preventing a worse situation where India might have needed to import wheat.
Rice/Paddy:
★ On February 1, 2024, the stock of rice in the central pool was 34.006 million tons, and the stock of paddy was 50.147 million tons.
★ Since January 1, 2025, the stock of rice has increased by 4.914 million tons, and the stock of paddy has increased by 2.519 million tons.
★ In February 2025, compared to February 2024, the stock of rice has increased by 12.981 million tons, while the stock of paddy has decreased by 4.525 million tons.
★ Compared to February 2023, the stock of rice has increased by 17.043 million tons, and the stock of paddy has increased by 4.915 million tons.
★ There is a large stock of rice available in the country, which has led the FCI (Food Corporation of India) to approve the allocation of 2.4 million tons of rice to distilleries for ethanol production. Additionally, the sale of rice through the OMSS is being increased in place of wheat.
★ Overall, there is a sufficient stock of rice in the country, leading to a reduction in prices.
★ Despite the opening of exports, there has not been significant price increase.
★ According to I Grain India, there are low chances of a prolonged rise in rice prices.
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Government Measures:
★ The government has announced that it will provide 1.2 million tons of rice under the OMSS to state governments and cooperatives at Rs. 2,250 per quintal.
★ Additionally, 2.4 million tons of rice will be given to distilleries for ethanol production at Rs. 2,250 per quintal, including delivery charges, but excluding rent and transportation costs.