JOIN USPawar, who assumed charge as the country’s farm minister for the second time, said the UPA government would fulfil its promise of giving cheap rice and wheat to the poor, without commiting to any detailed plan.
“There hasn’t been any decision on this, but we will be able to fulfil the commitment,” Pawar said, ducking questions over a possible price tag for the ‘cheap’ grains.In its manifesto, the Congress has promised to provide a minimum of 25 kg rice or wheat at Rs 3 per kg to those living below poverty line. Despite having adequate stocks of food grains in government godowns, Pawar failed to renew the offer.
Government agencies, particularly the Food Corporation of India, have purchased a record 23.3 million tonne wheat as on today against 22.6 million tonne in the entire procurement season last year.
Similarly, procurement of rice has reached 29 million tonne so far this season, against the 28.5 million in the whole of last year.
“We will be able to fulfil some of the commitments our major parties have made,” Pawar insisted. “I think, we will be able to announce a scheme for providing rice and wheat at a particular price and quantity, ”he said.