New Delhi: With El NiƱo raising concerns for the upcoming kharif season, India begins the period with its largest central foodgrain reserves in five years. Official figures show wheat and rice stocks at 81.75 million tonnes on 1 May, nearly four times the required buffer level. This provides protection against possible supply issues and rising food prices.
The June update is expected later this month. Data from the consumer affairs ministry indicate 42.8 million tonnes of wheat and 38.95 million tonnes of rice held centrally, well above the combined norm of roughly 21 million tonnes.
Wheat stocks rose sharply due to improved procurement, reaching 42.8 million tonnes compared with 35.7 million tonnes a year earlier. Rice holdings stayed steady at 38.95 million tonnes. Combined totals mark the highest 1 May level since 2021.
These reserves give authorities more options to control inflation via open-market releases, fulfill welfare obligations, and address any harvest shortfalls if monsoon conditions weaken.
The India Meteorological Department projects southwest monsoon rainfall at 90 percent of the long-term average amid El NiƱo risks. Authorities have flagged 315 of 800 districts as vulnerable, including 111 high-priority areas with limited irrigation.
Analysts note that ample stocks can limit weather-related production losses and help stabilize prices. Experts emphasized that reserves reduce risks of supply disruptions and allow flexible responses to any price increases.
Sowing of kharif crops has lagged, covering 35.08 million hectares so far, about 20 percent below last yearās pace. Recent rains have narrowed the overall deficit, and officials remain cautiously positive while monitoring major farming states.
