India currently holds foodgrain stocks nearly three times the prescribed buffer norms, the government said on Monday, asserting that supplies are sufficient to meet public distribution system (PDS) needs as well as any emergency requirements.
C Shikha, Joint Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, said the country has around 222 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and approximately 380 LMT of rice, taking the total stock to about 602 LMT.
“We have adequate buffer stock of both wheat and rice, three times the buffer stock norms, which is there. For wheat, we have around 222 LMT. For rice, we are having around 380 LMT. So put together, around 602 LMT of food stocks are available with us. This is quite enough to take care of the PDS requirement, as well as any emergency requirement, if any,” she said at a press briefing.
Shikha added that imports from key partners, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina and Brazil, have continued steadily, contributing to overall supply stability. She also pointed to improved mustard production, which has strengthened domestic availability, particularly in the edible oil segment.
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“Imports from key partners have continued steadily… Improved mustard production has strengthened the domestic supply. Overall supply remains stable. The government will continue to monitor this closely and will intervene if required,” she said.
Meanwhile, the government said maritime operations remain stable amid the evolving situation in West Asia, with all Indian seafarers in the region reported safe.
Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said no incidents involving Indian-flag vessels had been reported in the past 24 hours. He noted that two vessels, Green Sanghvi and Green Asha, carrying LPG had safely transited the Strait of Hormuz.
Mangal said 16 Indian-flagged vessels with 433 seafarers are currently in the Western Persian Gulf region. “All seafarers in the Persian Gulf remain safe,” he said, adding that authorities are closely monitoring vessels and maintaining coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions.
He also said over 964 seafarers have been repatriated so far, while ports across India continue to function normally. A senior official added that nearly 5.98 lakh passengers have returned to India amid the developing security situation in the Gulf region.
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