Govt Implements Weekly Wheat Stock Reporting To Curb Hoarding

Recent data reveal a concerning decline in wheat inventories held in government warehouses, dropping to 9.7 million metric tons at the beginning of March, the lowest figure recorded since 2017

The central government has mandated traders, major retailers, and food processors to declare their wheat stocks every Friday starting from April, in a bid to curb hoarding and prevent price hikes. According to a report by Reuters, this move comes as India, the world's second-biggest wheat consumer after China, grapples with production challenges due to consecutive years of heat waves, leading to diminished yields and a need for increased domestic supply.

With the expiration of the imposed limit on wheat stock holdings for traders on March 31, the government mentioned the necessity for transparency in wheat stock declarations to regulate prices effectively. According to an official statement, this measure aims to "manage overall food security and prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation."

Traders, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the importance of replenishing wheat stocks to meet procurement targets. They noted that if required, the government retains the authority to reimpose stock limits to facilitate procurement, underscoring the significance of monitoring private wheat purchases.

Recent data reveal a concerning decline in wheat inventories held in government warehouses, dropping to 9.7 million metric tons at the beginning of March, the lowest figure recorded since 2017. Despite the government's efforts to boost procurement, purchasing 26.2 million tons of wheat from local farmers in 2023 against a target of 34.15 million tons, challenges persist in meeting procurement goals.

Earlier in February, the government announced a conservative target for wheat procurement in the range of 30-32 million tonnes for the 2024-25 rabi marketing season, as reported by the food ministry. This decision, taken after consultations with state food secretaries in a meeting chaired by Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra, reflects cautious optimism amid projections of record wheat production.

Despite hopes for a bumper wheat harvest of 114-115 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year (July-June), the government opted for a lower procurement target, signaling a pragmatic approach to navigate production uncertainties and ensure food security.

As India continues its efforts to stabilise wheat prices and bolster domestic reserves, the implementation of weekly wheat stock declarations stands as a crucial step towards fostering transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector.