The problem with India’s food management system

Grow it, store it, forget it... This seems to be the motto of India’s food management system. Here’s what is going wrong, its consequences, and some suggestions:

Stock problem

India’s grain buffer is estimated to have grown to a record level of 82 million tonnes, which is nearly 25 per cent higher than last year’s stock.



Why has this happened?

The massive buildup of stocks has occurred due to non-stop buying every year to appease the farm lobby. This has lowered sale of grain in the open market.

What it costs the government?

Storage losses are going up every year, pushing up the annual food subsidy bill.