The North News
New Delhi, May 9
India is sitting on food stocks well above its national buffer norms, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi said on Friday, amid concerns driven by misleading social media messages and speculative trading.
In a statement aimed at reassuring the public, Joshi said there is “absolutely no shortage” of essential commodities such as rice, wheat, pulses and edible oil. “I want to assure everyone that we currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement,” he said.
Speaking directly to the public via a social media post, Joshi warned against falling for “propaganda messages” circulating online. “Don’t believe in propaganda messages regarding food stocks in the country. We have ample food stocks, far exceeding required norms,” he tweeted. “DONT PAY HEED TO SUCH MESSAGES.”
The minister also issued a stern warning to those who might attempt to exploit the situation. Traders, wholesalers, retailers, and others engaged in essential commodities trading were 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,” he said.
Official data provided by the Ministry paints a picture of abundance. The rice stock currently stands at 356.42 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) — nearly three times the buffer requirement of 135 LMT. Wheat stock is similarly robust at 383.32 LMT, well above the 276 LMT benchmark.
The minister also highlighted the availability of pulses including chana, tur, masoor and moong, asserting that these too are in comfortable supply.
In terms of edible oil, the country has approximately 17 LMT in reserves, with mustard oil output boosted by the ongoing peak production season.
Sugar availability, often a flashpoint in the commodity market, also appears secure. The 2024–25 sugar season began with a carry-over stock of 79 LMT, and current production has reached 257 LMT. Even after accounting for ethanol diversion and exports, the year is projected to close with a stock of about 50 LMT — enough to cover more than two months of national consumption. Joshi added that the production outlook for 2025–26 is “promising” thanks to favourable climatic conditions.
