Foodgrain stocks surge nearly three times buffer requirement

Massive grain availability boosts supply security while farmers continue facing pressure from falling wholesale crop prices

Government foodgrain reserves stored in godowns of Food Corporation of India  climbed to 604.02 lakh tonnes as of April 1, nearly three times the mandatory buffer requirement of 210.40 lakh tonnes, according to official data released on Wednesday.

 Rice stocks stood at 386.10 lakh tonnes against the prescribed buffer norm of 135.80 lakh tonnes, while wheat reserves reached 217.92 lakh tonnes, sharply higher than the required 74.60 lakh tonnes. 

 Buffer stock norms are revised every quarter, with the next revision scheduled for July 1. The Centre maintains buffer stocks of wheat and rice to ensure uninterrupted supply under the Public Distribution System and various welfare schemes.

 Procurement operations for the 2026 rabi marketing season are currently underway across major producing states.

 Official estimates showed around 97% of the wheat-sown area of 334.17 lakh hectares has already been harvested, along with the completion of pulse harvesting. Paddy harvesting has reached 59.32%, mainly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

Meanwhile, wholesale prices of several rabi crops continued to trade below the minimum support price levels. Wheat prices were quoted at ₹2,530 per quintal, about 2.13% lower than the MSP of ₹2,585 per quintal. Maize prices declined sharply by 23.71% to ₹1,831 per quintal against the MSP of ₹2,400, while paddy prices slipped 3.17% y/y. The higher stock position is expected to provide the government greater flexibility in managing food inflation and ensuring smooth allocation under welfare schemes during the ongoing procurement season.

 Adequate reserves also help stabilise market supplies in case of weather-related disruptions or sudden spikes in demand. Officials said procurement momentum remains healthy across key grain-producing states despite lower wholesale prices for several crops. 

  The continued decline in mandi prices below MSP levels may increase dependence on government procurement by farmers seeking assured returns. Analysts believe strong buffer stocks could also support future open market sales if required to cool retail food inflation and maintain supply stability across regions.

— PTI