New Delhi: The government on Friday said the country has ample food stocks to meet domestic demand but warned traders and wholesalers against hoarding of essential food items creating artificial shortage.
The warning came as the conflict between India and Pakistan widened with Pakistan resorting to unprovoked shelling and drone attacks in border towns.
In a social media post, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi also urged citizens not to panic or rush to the markets to purchase foodgrains.
“Don’t believe in propaganda messages regarding food stocks in the country. We have ample food stocks, far exceeding required norms. Don’t pay heed to such messages”.
“Traders, wholesalers, retailers or business entities which engage in trading of essential commodities are directed to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Any person indulging in hoarding or stockpiling, shall be prosecuted under relevant sections of the Essential Commodities Act,” Joshi said.
Later in an official statement, Joshi asserted there is no shortage of essential commodities in the country.
“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, and citizens are advised not to panic or rush to the markets to purchase food grains,” he said.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday reviewed the food stock situation in the country as well as preparedness for ensuing kharif sowing season which starts with the onset of monsoon rains.
The Agriculture Minister directed officials to be prepared to assist farmers in bordering states with sowing to ensure that they do not face difficulties due to the ongoing conflict.
Chouhan said he would speak with chief ministers of bordering states/UT like Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab regarding requirements in case villages need evacuation.
Elaborating on the food supply situation, the food ministry said the current rice stock stands at 356.42 lakh tonne against a buffer norm of 135 lakh tonne. Similarly, wheat stock is 383.32 lakh tonne against a buffer norm of 276 lakh tonne.
“Thus, demonstrating a strong surplus over the required buffer norms, ensuring nationwide food security,” the statement said.
In addition, India currently holds about 17 lakh tonne of edible oil stocks.
“Domestically, the availability of mustard oil is ample during the ongoing peak production season, further supplementing edible oil supply,” it said.
