FCI sold over 1 million tonne wheat to flour mills in H2 FY10: minister

The government has allocated over 1 million tonnes of wheat for sale to bulk consumers in various states/union territories through open tenders by FCI during October-March 2009-2010, mostly to flour mills, for sale to bulk consumers.

In order to check any rise in the price of wheat flour, the government has permitted conversion of wheat released under OMSS(D) into wheat flour, minister of state for agriculture, consumer affairs, food and public distribution K V Thomas informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.

The minister said the centre has allocated 2 million tonnes to state governments under the open market supply scheme (OMSS-D) for distribution to household consumers during the period October-March 2009-2010.

FCI sold 1.08 million tonnes of wheat through tender to bulk consumers out of an expected savings from the allocation of 2 million tonnes to states for retail consumers referred above, the minister stated.

Besides, allocation of five lakh tonnes of wheat for tender sale to small processors has also been made to state governments.

In addition, he stated, 37400 tonnes wheat (out of expected savings from the unlifted quantity of 1 million tonnes wheat to state governments for distribution to retail consumers) under OMSS (D) has been allocated to NAFED for sale to retail consumers in January-March 2010.