What is the significance of India's rice procurement and wheat procurement by the government so far

Explanation about the current status of India's rice and wheat procurement by the government.
India's rice and wheat procurement by the government has significant economic and social implications. Here are some key points about the current status of India's rice and wheat procurement:
  • India is one of the largest producers and consumers of rice and wheat in the world.
  • The government procures rice and wheat from farmers at MSP (Minimum Support Price) to ensure a fair price for farmers and maintain food security.
  • As of June 2021, the government has procured over 398 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 431 lakh metric tonnes of wheat in the current 2020-21 season.
  • This procurement has helped stabilize prices in the market and prevent farmer distress due to falling prices.
  • The procured rice and wheat are stored in government warehouses and distributed through various welfare schemes like PDS (Public Distribution System) and mid-day meal programs.
  • The government's procurement policy has also helped India become self-sufficient in food grain production and reduce reliance on imports.
  • However, critics argue that the MSP system is not sustainable in the long run and may lead to overproduction and wastage.
Overall, India's rice and wheat procurement by the government plays a vital role in ensuring food security, stabilizing prices, and supporting farmers.
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