New Delhi, May 9. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the food reserves in the country are full and we have no shortage of rice. He said that the soldiers on the border and the farmers in the fields are ready. This year there has been a bumper production, and our farmers are fully prepared for the next crop as well.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured the countrymen that everyone should remain calm in any emergency or at the time of need. We are ready and capable.
Sharing the figures, Union Minister Chouhan said that in 2023-24, the production of food grains in the country was 3,322.98 lakh metric tonnes and which has now been increased by the farmers of the country to 3,474.42 lakh metric tonnes.
He said, “Rice production this time was 1,464.02 lakh metric tonnes as compared to 1,378.25 lakh metric tonnes last year. At the same time, wheat production has increased from 1,132 lakh metric tonnes to 1,154 lakh metric tonnes this year. However, this is only an estimate, there is a possibility of further increase in it.” Union Minister Chauhan informed that the production of pulses has increased from 242 lakh metric tonnes to 250.97 lakh metric tonnes this year. The production of oilseeds has also increased from 296.69 lakh metric tonnes to 428.98 lakh metric tonnes. There is also no shortage of fruits and vegetables in the country. He further informed that the production of horticultural crops has increased from 3,547 lakh metric tonnes to 3,621 lakh metric tonnes. Positive figures have also been recorded for potato, onion and tomato production. The Union minister said, “Potato has increased from 570 lakh metric tonnes to 595 lakh metric tonnes and onion from 242 lakh metric tonnes to 288 lakh metric tonnes. Similarly, tomato production has also increased from 213 lakh metric tonnes to 215 lakh metric tonnes.”
Congratulating farmers and scientists for increasing production even in adverse weather, he said wheat and rice production has increased by 4-5 per cent in a year. Giving information about the buffer stock, he said 539.88 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been procured till May 8. The stores are full. Besides, 267.02 lakh metric tonnes of wheat has been procured from farmers and procurement is continuing.
