GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

LOK SABHA 

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4124

ANSWERED ON:15.12.2009

REQUIREMENT OF WHEAT

ANANT KUMAR HEGDE

(a)whether the Government has assessed the requirement of wheat for consumption for the current year;

(b)if so, the details thereof;

(c)whether this requirement is likely to be met by the domestic production;

(d)if so, the quantity of wheat produced in the country during the year 2008-2009; and

(e)the quantity of wheat stored in godowns till March, 2009?

Will the Minister of AGRICULTUREbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

 (a) to (e):Yes, Madam. The working group of Planning Commission on ` Crop Husbandry, Agricultural Inputs, demand and supply projection and Agricultural Statistics` assessed the demand of foodgrains, Oilseeds and Sugarcane for 11th five year plan. The projected demand for wheat by end of 11th five year plan is estimated about 77.36 million tonnes and availability is 80.58 million tonnes during 2008-09 ( as per 4th Advance estimates) which would be sufficient to meet the demand of growing population in the country including seed and other industrial uses and wastages.

Wheat balance in Central pool as on 1.3.2009 and 1.4.2009 was 152.76 lakh tonnes and 134.29 lakh tonnes, respectively.