Government Assures Ample Food Stocks, Warns Traders Against Hoarding Essential Items

The government has assured that the nation has sufficient food reserves to meet local needs, cautioning traders and wholesalers against hoarding essential items. This warning comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan engaging in unprovoked shelling and drone attacks on border towns. Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi urged citizens not to panic or rush to buy foodgrains.

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In a social media message, Joshi stated, "Don’t believe in propaganda messages regarding food stocks in the country. We have ample food stocks, far exceeding required norms. DONT PAY HEED TO SUCH MESSAGES." He also directed traders and business entities dealing with essential commodities to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Those found hoarding will face prosecution under the Essential Commodities Act.

Food Stock Assurance Amidst Conflict

Joshi later reiterated in an official statement that there is no shortage of essential commodities. "I want to assure everyone that we currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement—whether it is rice, wheat, or pulses such as chana, tur, masoor, or moong. There is absolutely no shortage," he emphasized.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed the country's food stock situation and preparations for the upcoming kharif sowing season, which begins with the monsoon rains. He instructed officials to assist farmers in border states with sowing operations to prevent difficulties due to the ongoing conflict.

Ample Reserves of Essential Commodities

The food ministry reported that rice stocks are at 356.42 lakh tonnes against a buffer norm of 135 lakh tonnes. Wheat stocks stand at 383.32 lakh tonnes compared to a buffer norm of 276 lakh tonnes. This surplus ensures nationwide food security, according to the ministry's statement.

India also holds approximately 17 lakh tonnes of edible oil stocks. The availability of mustard oil is abundant during its peak production season, further enhancing the edible oil supply domestically.

Sugar Production and Future Outlook

The sugar season began with a carry-over stock of 79 lakh tonnes. Production is estimated at 262 lakh tonnes after accounting for a diversion of 34 lakh tonnes for ethanol production. As of now, around 257 lakh tonnes have been produced.

Considering domestic consumption of 280 lakh tonnes and exports of 10 lakh tonnes for the 2024-25 marketing year, the closing stock is expected to be around 50 lakh tonnes, more than two months' consumption. The production outlook for the 2025-26 sugar season is promising due to favourable climatic conditions.

Chouhan plans to discuss requirements with chief ministers of bordering states like Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab in case villages need evacuation due to the conflict. This proactive approach aims to ensure farmers receive necessary support during these challenging times.

With inputs from PTI