Lok Sabha Question No. 3896 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Distribution of Foodgrain through Public Distribution System
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3896 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18TH DECEMBER, 2024

## DISTRIBUTION OF FOODGRAIN THROUGH PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

## 3896. SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM  R:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION wftsq wi& um aBI liT+qf++ tiawr =Ht be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the procurement of  rice  by the  Government is  low  despite increase in  its production;
- (b) if  so, the details thereof  and if  not,  the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan to ensure proper foodgrains distribution through Public Distribution System; and
- (d) if  so, the details thereon

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

(a) and (b): Procurement of  paddy/rice  depends not  only  upon production  but  also upon other factors like  marketable surplus, Minimum  Support Price (MSP), prevailing  market rate, demand & supply situation and participation  of private traders etc.

The estimate for  procurement of  paddy is finalized by the Government of  India in consultation with  State Governments and Food Corporation of  India (FCI),  before the commencement  of  each  marketing season based  upon  estimated  production, marketable surplus and agricultural  crop pattern.

The Production and procurement of Paddy in the country during last four years and the current year is as below: -

|          | Production (in LMT)   | Procurement (in LMT)   |
|----------|-----------------------|------------------------|
| 2020-21  | 1824.86               | {95.66                 |
| 2021 -22 | 1932.40               | 857.30                 |
| 2022-23  | 2026.19               | 846.45                 |
| 2023-24  | 2057.09               | 782.20                 |
| 2024-25  | 1790.06#              | 354.39+                |

# As per lst Advance Estimate issued by DA&FW,  GoI.

+ Upto  12.12.2024

(c) and (d): As part of the technology driven Public Distribution System (PDS) reforms, with the aim  to  improve the efficiency and  reduce leakages in  the  PDS,  ration cards/beneficiaries database have been completely digitized (100%) in  all  States/UTs. The transparency portal and online grievance redressal facility/Toll-free number have been implemented in all  States/UTs. Also, online allocation has been implemented in all States/UTs (except UTs of  Chandigarh,  Puduchemy and Urban area of Dadra &  Nagar Haveli  which  have adopted  DBT  Cash Transfer scheme) and supply chain has been computerized in  31 States/UTs. Further, nearly  5.41 Lakh (99.6%) out  of  total  5.43 Lakh  Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in the country have been automated by installing ePoS devices for the distribution of foodgrains in a transparent manner (electronically) through biometric/ Aadhaar authentication  of beneficiaries

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