March 15, 2002

PROCUREMENT OF WHEAT

    Government has procured 206.3 lakh tonnes of wheat during the rabi marketing year 2001-02 against 163.56 lakh tonnes during the previous year. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) of wheat during 2001-02 was Rs. 610/- per quintal while the MSP was Rs. 580/- per quintal during 2000-01; and the total expenditure incurred by the Government on procurement of wheat was Rs. 16034 crore and Rs. 11710 crore respectively during these years.

    From April 2001 to January 2002, the centre has allotted 109.27 lakh tonnes of wheat and 142.11 lakh tonnes of rice for distribution under TPDS, of which the offtake was 41.86 lakh tonnes of wheat and 65.65 lakh tonnes of rice. Out of a total allotment of 113.67 lakh tonnes of wheat and 160.91 lakh tonnes of rice during 2000-01, the states have lifted 38.43 lakh tonnes of wheat and 76.33 lakh tonnes of rice.

    During 2000-01, 50 lakh tonnes of wheat was earmarked for disposal through Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) against which a quantity of 8.86 lakh MTs (prov.) was sold. During the period from April 2001 to February2002, a quantity of 41.69 lakh MT (prov.) has been sold upto March 5, 2002.

    In order to increase the offtake under TPDS, the Government has reduced the central issue prices of wheat and rice for APL population from Rs. 830/- and Rs. 1130 per quintal to Rs. 610 and Rs. 830 per quintal respectively with effect from July 12, 2001.

    This information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ashok Pradhan in a written reply.