Union Minister Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya on Tuesday, July 22, said that the government currently holds surplus stocks of rice and wheat, well above the buffer norm requirements set for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other social welfare schemes
As of July 1, 2025, the combined stock of rice and wheat in the Central Pool stands at 736.61 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), exceeding the prescribed buffer requirement of 411.20 LMT, according to her.
Breaking down the figures, rice stocks are at 377.83 LMT, against a buffer norm of 135.40 LMT, while wheat stocks are at 358.78 LMT, compared to the required 275.80 LMT.
The minister explained that these surplus stocks are strategically released to increase market supply and help curb inflation when foodgrain prices rise.
“To moderate market prices and ensure wider availability of foodgrains, the government sells surplus wheat and rice — beyond the needs of PDS and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS) — through open sales under the Open Market Sales Scheme [OMSS(D)],” she said.
This measure supports food security, keeps inflation in check, and makes essential grains more affordable for the public, according to the minister
In line with this approach, the government launched Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice on November 6, 2023, and February 6, 2024, respectively. These are made available to consumers at subsidised rates under the OMSS(D) policy to ease the cost burden on households.
To strengthen food security and prevent hoarding or speculative activities, the government also imposed stock limits on wheat. These limits apply to traders, wholesalers, retailers, large retail chains, and processors across all States and Union Territories, the minister added.
