Rabi 2024 Achieves 1,132 LMT Wheat Production with Abundant Supply Nationwide: Government
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Synopsis
The Rabi 2024 season has recorded a wheat production of 1,132 LMT, ensuring sufficient supply across India. The government has implemented stock limits to maintain food security and price stability, while monitoring the agricultural landscape for further improvements.
Key Takeaways
- 1,132 LMT wheat produced in Rabi 2024.
- Stock limits imposed for food security.
- Entities must register on the stock limit portal.
- Wheat area sown increased to 324.38 lakh hectares.
- Food inflation expected to ease.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The government has reported a total wheat production of 1,132 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) during Rabi 2024, indicating a significant availability of wheat across the nation.
To ensure food security and curb hoarding and unfair speculation, the Centre has implemented stock limits on wheat for traders, wholesalers, retailers, large retail chains, and processors throughout all states and union territories.
The removal of licensing requirements, stock limits, and movement restrictions on certain food items was enacted under the (Amendment) Order, 2024 on June 24, 2024, and revised on September 9, 2024, and December 11, 2024, applicable nationwide.
In its ongoing efforts to stabilize wheat prices, the Central government has decided to extend the wheat stock limit until March 31, 2025.
“All entities involved in wheat stocking must register on the wheat stock limit portal and update their stock status every Friday. Any entity failing to register or breaching the stock limits will face appropriate punitive measures under Section 6 & 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955,” the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated.
Entities maintaining stocks above the set limits must reduce them to prescribed levels within 15 days of the notification.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is closely monitoring the wheat stock situation to manage prices and ensure availability across the nation.
In addition, the total area sown under various Rabi crops has risen to 661.03 lakh hectares, up from 651.42 lakh hectares during the same timeframe last year.
The area dedicated to wheat cultivation has increased to 324.38 lakh hectares from 318.33 lakh hectares in the previous year, suggesting a potential rise in production.
Looking ahead, food inflation is anticipated to decrease, while the economic growth forecast remains “cautiously optimistic” due to favorable monsoon conditions, increased minimum support prices, and sufficient input supplies.
