The government has fixed wheat procurement in the range of 300 to 320 lakh metric tonne (LMT) during the 2024-25 Rabi marketing season, according to a Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Ministry statement on Thursday.

The Centre organised a meeting of state food secretaries to discuss the procurement arrangements for Rabi and Kharif Crops for season 2024-25 and 2023-24 respectively yesterday.

“After deliberations, the estimates for wheat procurement during the ensuing Rabi Marketing Season 2024-25 were fixed in the range of 300-320 lakh metric tonne (LMT). Similarly, the estimates for paddy procurement in terms of rice during Kharif Marketing Season 2023-24 (Rabi Crop) were fixed in the range of 90 – 100 LMT,’’ the ministry said.

Discussions were held on various factors impacting procurement such as forecast of weather conditions, production estimates, and readiness of state.

A quantity of around 6.00 LMT of coarse grains /millets (Shri Anna) has also been estimated for procurement by the States during the KMS 2023-24.

States and UTs were advised to focus on the procurement of millets for the diversification of crops and enhanced nutrition in dietary patterns.

During the meeting, state governments were advised to adopt or improvise their existing applications in line with the standard and core features of the AgriStack portal, for bringing about transparency and efficiency in the procurement system, before the start of KMS 2024-25.

Besides, the Telangana government shared the good practices adopted concerning Supply Chain Optimisation and indicated a saving of Rs 16 Crore annually through this environment-friendly initiative by the Centre.

The Uttar Pradesh government shared the successful initiative regarding linking e-PoS with an electronic weighing scale which has effectively ensured the supply of foodgrains to the beneficiaries as per their entitled quantity.

Government agencies buy wheat and paddy at a MSP to add foodgrain stock to the central pool for public distribution under the National Food Security programme and other welfare schemes.