11th December, 2003
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution  


PRICES OF WHEAT


RAJYA SABHA

The Government has not made any upward revision in the Central Issue Prices (CIPs) of wheat supplied from the Central pool. The CIPs have been retained at the same level for BPL families w.e.f. July 2000 and for APL families from July, 2002.

During the current Rabi Marketing Season 2003-04, 158.02 lakh tonnes of wheat was procured as against 190.25 lakh tonnes procured during the previous Rabi Marketing Season 2002-2003. Less procurement was on account of decrease in production due to drought conditions.

The open market prices of wheat are stable. The Government is also operating the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) for wheat to ensure comfortable availability of wheat to consumers.

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