Out of this, tenders have been sanctioned for a capacity of 113.26 lakh MT and a capacity of 82 Lakh MT has already been completed.
In addition arrangements have been made to evacuate stocks available in surplus procuring states to deficit states to create storage space in procuring states for fresh procurement.
In order to check rise in prices of food grains in open market and to offload surplus stocks of foodgrains from Central Pool, under Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)] for 2013-14.
Government has approved allocation of 95 lakh tonnes of wheat for tender sale to bulk consumers and sale to small private traders from FCI godowns and 5 lakh tonnes of wheat for sale to States/ UTs / Co-operatives for distribution to retail consumers.
As per buffer and strategic reserve norms, as on 1st October, 72 lakh tonnes of rice and 140 lakh tonnes of wheat should be available in Central Pool.
Against this norm, as on 01.10.2013, 190.33 lakh tonnes of rice and 361.00 lakh tonnes of wheat were available in Central Pool.
This information was given by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
