In light of the various estimates on wheat production and procurement, Ashok Kumar Meena, Chairman & Managing Director, Food Corporation of India, stated that FCI has already purchased 7 Lac metric tonnes of wheat as of now and is well-positioned to purchase 342 Lac tonnes of wheat this year due to better than anticipated wheat production, estimates, and the government's assurance to support farmers in light of unexpected rains.
“It is important for all of us – government and the private sector to work together to ensure that prices of wheat and atta remains stable, despite global headwinds. We have support of higher production estimates too with us,” said Meena.
Echoing the sentiments, Subodh Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India said that the estimates of both ministry and private sector are signalling higher wheat production this year, despite impact of unseasonal rains and hailstorm in March-April, 2023.
They were addressing the 1st Extra Ordinary General Meeting and Board of Directors’ Meet of Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India, wherein a survey report on “Wheat Crop & Production Estimates for the Crop Year 2022-23” was also unveiled.
The Survey report prepared by Agri Watch on behalf of Federation has predicted the wheat production of 102.89 Lac tons, reduced from 104.24 Lac tons due to unseasonal rains and hail storm faced by wheat producing states towards the end of March, 2023. The estimates are based on the survey conducted in two phases across 9 states (80 districts) – Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
“Though the unexpected rains and hailstorm have played spoil sport in the record production that we were expecting, however higher acreage and yield is expected to create comfortable situation for the country. Hence, we request the government to consider lifting the ban on wheat export, so that we could support the large Indian diaspora that always prefer Indian wheat atta,” Pramod Kumar said.
“In order to avoid the past situations wherein the absence of data led to fluctuation of wheat prices, we have come up with this survey. It will help both the industry and government to plan future course of action as well as measures to control the prices,” said Navneet Chitlangia, Senior Vice President of the Federation who was also present during the press conference.
Assuring the support of Federation in GoI’s campaign on millets products, Rohit Khetan, Honorary Secretary, Rollers Flour Miller Association of India said, “The federation is working towards producing the millets’ atta and is committed to support the government’s efforts to promote millets consumption in the country and elsewhere.
“The government is open minded to hear our issues and provided solutions too. We are committed to support Prime Minister’s call for ‘interest of country before anything else’ and we have exhibited the same by working with government in taming the atta prices,” said Dharmendra Jain, Vice President of the Federation. Established in 1940, the 2500+ members strong pan-India association foresees excellent wheat crop and bumper procurement this year.
