Meeting of State UTs Food Secretaries Discusses Procurement of Food Grains for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25

Meeting of State/UTs Food Secretaries Discusses Procurement of Foodgrains for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25. The Indian government is gearing up for the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25. On August 29, 2024, the Secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) chaired a significant meeting in New Delhi to discuss the procurement of food grains for the central pool. State Food Secretaries, officials from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the India Meteorological Department, and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare attended this meeting

Meeting of State/UTs Food Secretaries Discusses Procurement of Foodgrains for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25

Key Agenda: Procurement of Kharif Crops

The meeting focused on various aspects of the Kharif crop procurement process. Discussions covered:

• Paddy Procurement: The target for paddy procurement for KMS 2024-25 has been set at 485 lakh metric tons (LMT) in terms of rice. This marks an increase from the 463 LMT procured during KMS 2023-24.
• Coarse Grains/Millets (Shree Anna): A significant boost has been planned for the procurement of coarse grains and millets. The target for KMS 2024-25 is 19.00 LMT, a substantial rise from the 6.60 LMT procured during KMS 2022-23. States and Union Territories (UTs) were advised to prioritize millet procurement to diversify crops and improve nutrition in dietary patterns.

Importance of the Kharif Marketing Season

Kharif crops, such as rice, millets, and pulses, are crucial to India’s food security. These crops are typically sown with the onset of the monsoon and harvested in the autumn. The procurement of these crops is essential for maintaining the central foodgrain pool, which ensures the availability of food to the public through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Factors Influencing Procurement

Several factors were reviewed during the meeting to ensure a smooth procurement process:

• Weather Forecast: The India Meteorological Department provided weather forecasts, which are critical for predicting crop yields and planning procurement operations.
• Production Estimates: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare presented production estimates for the Kharif crops, helping states prepare for the expected procurement volumes.
• State Readiness: The readiness of states for procurement operations was assessed. This included the preparedness of procurement centers, infrastructure improvements, and the mobilization of resources.

Enhancing Procurement Operations

The government focuses on optimizing the procurement process to ensure efficiency and transparency. The meeting participants discussed several initiatives.

• Supply Chain Optimization of PDS: Improving the supply chain of the Public Distribution System is a priority. This includes streamlining processes, reducing wastage, and ensuring timely distribution of foodgrains.
• Infrastructure Improvement in Procurement Centers: Upgrading infrastructure at procurement centers is essential for handling large volumes of foodgrains efficiently. This includes better storage facilities, improved transportation links, and enhanced logistical support.
• Jan Poshan Kendras: They also discussed the concept of Jan Poshan Kendras. These centers aim to provide nutritious food options to the public, with a focus on millets and other coarse grains.
• Workflow Automation for Food Subsidy: Automating the workflow for releasing food subsidies to states was another key point of discussion. The automation will speed up the process, reduce errors, and ensure timely payments

Focus on Millets: A Nutritional Powerhouse

The meeting placed a strong emphasis on the procurement of millets, also known as Shree Anna. These coarse grains are rich in nutrients and play a vital role in enhancing the dietary patterns of the population. The government’s push towards increasing millet procurement aligns with its goal of diversifying crops and promoting healthy eating habits.

Benefits of Millets

Millets are drought-resistant and require less water compared to other staple crops like rice and wheat. They are also packed with essential nutrients, making them a vital component of a balanced diet. By promoting millet cultivation and procurement, the government aims to:

• Enhance Nutrition: Millets are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They help combat malnutrition and promote overall health.
• Support Farmers: Encouraging millet cultivation provides farmers with a profitable alternative to traditional crops. This helps in increasing their income and improving their livelihood.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Millets contribute to sustainable agriculture practices as they require fewer inputs and are resilient to climate change.

Collaborative Efforts: A Multi-Agency Approach

The success of the Kharif Marketing Season 2024-25 depends on the collaborative efforts of various agencies and departments. The meeting highlighted the importance of coordination between:

• State Governments: States play a critical role in the procurement process. Their readiness, infrastructure, and resources are essential for the smooth functioning of the procurement operations.
• Food Corporation of India (FCI): FCI is responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing foodgrains across the country. Their involvement is crucial in managing the central pool and ensuring food security.
• India Meteorological Department: Accurate weather predictions by the Meteorological Department help in planning and executing the procurement process efficiently.
• Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: This department provides production estimates and supports farmers in increasing crop yields.

Challenges and Solutions

The government is taking significant steps to ensure a successful KMS 2024-25, but it needs to address several challenges :

• Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change pose a threat to crop yields. The government is working on adaptive strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Logistical Issues: Transporting large volumes of foodgrains from procurement centers to storage facilities and distribution points can be challenging. Upgrading infrastructure and improving supply chain logistics are key solutions.
• Farmer Awareness: Educating farmers about the benefits of growing millets and other Kharif crops is essential. The government is using various platforms to reach out to farmers and provide them with the necessary information and support.

Conclusion

The meeting of State/UTs Food Secretaries to discuss the procurement of food grains for the Kharif Marketing Season 2024-25 was a crucial step in ensuring food security for the nation. With a focus on paddy and millet procurement, the government is taking significant strides towards diversifying crops and improving nutrition. The government’s initiatives, combined with the collaborative efforts of various agencies and departments, will ensure a successful KMS 2024-25. As India progresses toward self-sufficiency in food production, efficient procurement processes become increasingly crucial. The nation anticipates a bountiful harvest and a well-managed procurement season, with KMS 2024-25 playing a pivotal role in achieving these goals.