In a bid to maintain a steady supply of onions at affordable prices for domestic consumers, the government has taken decisive steps to address the declining stocks of rabi 2023 onions. With the introduction of a Minimum Export Price (MEP) set at USD 800 per Metric Ton, the authorities aim to balance the needs of both farmers and consumers. As the stored rabi 2023 onion stock dwindles, the government has intervened to stabilize the market and prevent a surge in onion prices. The MEP, equivalent to around Rs. 67/kg, underscores the government’s commitment to balancing the needs of farmers and consumers.

Overview

On the 29th of October, 2023, the government imposed a Minimum Export Price (MEP) of USD 800 per Metric Ton, FOB basis, on onion exports. This move is effective until the 31st of December, 2023, and it serves a dual purpose – ensuring an adequate supply of onions within the country and curbing excessive exports. The MEP, equivalent to approximately Rs. 67 per kilogram, signifies the government’s commitment to keep this kitchen staple affordable for every Indian household.

Additionally, to further stabilize the onion market, the government has declared the procurement of an additional 2 lakh tons of onions for the buffer, supplementing the 5 lakh tons already acquired. The buffer stock has been consistently released since the second week of August in major consumption centers nationwide, and it’s being offered to retail consumers at the economical rate of Rs. 25 per kilogram. As of now, approximately 1.70 lakh Metric Tons of onions have been dispensed from the buffer. This continual procurement and distribution are aimed at moderating prices for consumers while ensuring fair returns for onion farmers.

Key Points

1. MEP for Onion Exports: The imposition of a Minimum Export Price (MEP) at USD 800 per Metric Ton until the end of December 2023. This is a crucial step to restrict excessive exports and maintain an adequate supply of onions in the domestic market.
2. Stabilizing Domestic Prices: By curbing onion exports, the government aims to prevent fluctuations in onion prices, ensuring that consumers can access onions at affordable rates, approximately Rs. 67/kg.
3. Buffer Stock Expansion: The government is proactively bolstering its buffer stock by procuring an additional 2 lakh tons of onions. This is in addition to the existing 5 lakh tons already in storage, guaranteeing a steady supply of onions to consumers.
4. Buffer Stock Disposal: The buffer stock, which contains a significant quantity of onions, is systematically released to major consumption centers across the nation. This stock is then made available to retail consumers at an economical price of Rs. 25/kg.
5. Procurement and Disposal: The continuous procurement and disposal of onions from the buffer serve a dual purpose. It helps maintain reasonable prices for consumers while ensuring that onion farmers receive fair and remunerative prices for their produce.
6. Government Commitment: These measures highlight the government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that onions remain affordable to domestic consumers. The government recognizes the importance of onions in the Indian diet and the significance of a balanced approach to both producers and consumers.
7. Timely Intervention: The announcement comes at a crucial juncture as the quantity of stored rabi 2023 onions is declining. The government’s intervention is vital to avoid a situation where rising onion prices burden consumers and undermine the livelihoods of farmers.
8. Extended Period: The MEP and buffer stock strategy will be in effect until the end of December 2023, ensuring that the onion market remains stable and accessible to all during this critical period.
9. Fair Deal for Farmers: These measures not only protect consumers but also safeguard the interests of onion farmers. By ensuring fair prices and reducing market volatility, the government empowers farmers to continue their vital role in providing a staple food item for the nation.

Conclusion

The recent government actions regarding onions underscore a commitment to balancing the interests of farmers and consumers. By setting an MEP, expanding the buffer stock, and facilitating the consistent procurement and distribution of onions, the government is providing a safety net for all stakeholders in the onion market. The focus is on ensuring affordable onions for consumers, fair remuneration for farmers, and market stability during a critical period. These measures are not just about onions; they represent a comprehensive approach to securing the food security and economic well-being of the nation.

In a momentous occasion, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Agriculture Minister Sh. Narendra Singh Tomar has unveiled a series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to empower and uplift farmers across India. These initiatives are centered around agricultural credit (Kisan Credit Card & Modified Interest Subvention Scheme) and crop insurance (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana/RWBCIS). The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has introduced three transformative initiatives: the Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), the Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan, a visionary campaign aiming to provide every farmer with the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, and the Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) manual. These initiatives represent a significant leap forward in the agricultural sector, fostering financial inclusion, data optimization, and the overall well-being of farmers nationwide.

Overview

The agricultural sector has always been the backbone of India’s economy, and the government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure its growth and sustainability. The launch of these initiatives underscores the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, prosperity, technological advancement, and efficient service delivery. These initiatives will play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture and driving sustainable economic growth for the farming community across the country.

In a historic announcement, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Agriculture Minister Sh. Narendra Singh Tomar has unveiled groundbreaking initiatives to revolutionize India’s agricultural landscape. These initiatives, including the Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan, and the Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) manual, are set to enhance financial inclusion, optimize data utilization, and improve farmers’ lives nationwide.

The KRP simplifies access to agricultural credit through the Kisan Credit Card, while Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan ensures every eligible farmer has access to these benefits. The WINDS initiative leverages technology for hyper-local weather data, supporting crop management. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s dedication to agricultural transformation and sustainable economic growth, reaffirming its commitment to the farming community.

Key Points

1. Kisan Rin Portal (KRP)

• • • Developed collaboratively by multiple government departments and institutions, KRP is set to revolutionize access to credit services through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
    • It facilitates easy access to subsidized agricultural credit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS).
    • KRP serves as an integrated hub, offering comprehensive farmer data, loan disbursement details, interest subvention claims, and progress in scheme utilization.
    • Seamless integration with banks enables proactive policy interventions, strategic guidance, and adaptive enhancements for efficient agricultural credit and interest subvention utilization.

2. House-to-House KCC Campaign: Bringing Credit Home

• • • MoA&FW’s commitment to universal financial inclusion is exemplified by this campaign, ensuring that every farmer has unrestricted access to credit facilities.
    • Running from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, this campaign leverages data from the PM KISAN database to identify eligible PM KISAN beneficiaries without KCC accounts.
    • The goal is to reach out to these beneficiaries and ensure the saturation of KCC accounts among them, providing essential financial support for their agricultural endeavors.

3. Launch of WINDS Manual (Weather Information Network Data Systems)

• • • The WINDS initiative is a pioneering effort to establish a network of Automatic Weather Stations & Rain Gauges at the taluk/block and gram panchayat levels.
    • This network creates a robust database of hyper-local weather data, crucial for supporting various agricultural services.
    • The comprehensive WINDS manual launched today offers stakeholders a deep understanding of the portal’s functionalities, data interpretation, and effective utilization.
    • It provides direction to States and Union Territories for the establishment and seamless integration with the WINDS platform, fostering a culture of transparent and unbiased data collection and transmission.
    • The manual also provides practical insights into leveraging weather data for improved crop management, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

4. Government Commitment

The government’s unwavering commitment to agriculture and rural development is evident in its substantial budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture, which has increased from Rs. 23,000 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,25,000 crore in 2023-24. This investment underscores the government’s dedication to the growth and well-being of the farming community.

5. Financial Inclusion and Crop Insurance

Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman commended the Ministry of Agriculture for the successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Over Rs. 1,40,000 crores in insurance claims have been disbursed to farmers, providing them with crucial financial protection. She emphasized the importance of real-time crop estimation, which will contribute to better economic planning and fair prices for farmers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the launch of transformative agricultural initiatives by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Agriculture Minister Sh. Narendra Singh Tomar signifies a pivotal moment for India’s farming sector. The Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan, and WINDS manual embody the government’s unwavering dedication to farmers’ welfare, financial inclusion, and technological progress. These initiatives are set to reshape agriculture, with KRP simplifying credit access, Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan ensuring universal inclusion, and WINDS providing vital weather data. This forward-looking approach is expected to drive sustainable economic growth in agriculture, elevating the farming community to greater prosperity and resilience.

In an effort to safeguard the nation’s food security and combat unscrupulous practices, the Government of India has implemented a critical measure: stock limits on wheat. These measures aim to prevent hoarding and price manipulation by traders, wholesalers, retailers, and processors. The recent Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits, and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023, issued on June 12, 2023, sets the stage for a more secure and transparent food distribution system. This order is applicable to all states and union territories and is in effect until March 31, 2024.

Overview

Wheat, being a staple food in India, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s food security. Ensuring an adequate and affordable supply of wheat is essential to meet the dietary needs of millions. However, fluctuating wheat prices and the possibility of hoarding have prompted the government to take proactive measures. The central government has, therefore, revised the stock limits for key stakeholders in the wheat supply chain to address rising prices.

Let’s delve into the specifics of these changes:

This initiative aligns with the larger goal of maintaining food security, which is crucial for the well-being of the nation. The removal of licensing requirements and the imposition of stock limits reflect the government’s commitment to balancing the interests of farmers, traders, and consumers while upholding fair and ethical trade practices.As stakeholders in the agricultural sector, it’s imperative for farmers to stay informed about these regulatory changes. By doing so, you can contribute to the overall stability of the food supply chain and ensure that the hard work you put into growing wheat benefits both you and the broader Indian population.

Key Points

1. Revised Stock Limits: Traders/Wholesalers are now permitted to stock up to 2000 MT of wheat. Big Chain Retailers can maintain 10 MT of wheat at each outlet and 2000 MT at all their depots. Other categories maintain the existing stock limits.
2. Mandatory Registration: All entities involved in wheat stocking must register on the dedicated wheat stock limit portal: [https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login](https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login).
3. Regular Stock Updates: Registered entities are required to update their wheat stock positions every Friday on the portal.
4. Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance: Entities failing to register on the portal or violating the stock limits will face punitive action under Section 6 & 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
5. Grace Period for Excessive Stock: Entities currently holding wheat stocks above the prescribed limit have 30 days from the notification issue date to bring their stocks within the specified limits.
6. Stringent Monitoring: Both Central and State Government officials will closely monitor the enforcement of these stock limits to prevent artificial scarcity and price manipulation.
7. Role of the Department of Food and Public Distribution: The Department of Food and Public Distribution is actively overseeing the wheat stock situation. Their aim is to control prices and ensure that an ample supply of wheat remains readily available throughout the country.

In the face of escalating wheat prices and the potential for unscrupulous practices, these measures serve as a proactive response by the Indian government. By revising stock limits and enforcing stringent regulations, the government is taking concrete steps to ensure wheat remains affordable and accessible to all citizens.

Conclusion

India’s proactive measures to revise wheat stock limits signify a commitment to food security and fair pricing. These regulations, aimed at preventing hoarding and price manipulation, are pivotal in ensuring that the nation’s staple grain remains affordable and accessible to all. Farmers, traders, and retailers must embrace these changes as a collective effort to uphold ethical trade practices. By doing so, we fortify the foundation of a stable food supply chain, guaranteeing the sustenance of millions of citizens. Together, we stand as stewards of India’s food security, reinforcing the belief that nourishing the nation begins with responsible and equitable practices in wheat trade.

In a groundbreaking move to harness the power of technology for the benefit of farmers across India, Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), has unveiled a transformative mobile application and web portal for the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES). This digital initiative, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision, aims to revitalize agricultural practices and usher in a new era of precision farming. The launch event emphasized the vital importance of real-time data and advanced technology in agriculture, underscoring the need for accurate information to drive agricultural decisions.

Overview

The launch of the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES) mobile application and web portal by Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), marks a significant milestone in India’s agricultural sector. In alignment with the Prime Minister’s digital vision, this initiative aims to revolutionize farming practices across the nation. 

The GCES platform addresses key challenges such as reporting delays and lack of transparency in crop data collection by introducing GPS-enabled mobile data collection, ensuring real-time reporting and precise location-based data. It offers comprehensive information on crop yield estimation and features geo-referencing for enhanced data accuracy. With support from various departments and agencies, this digital transformation promises to empower farmers with accurate, timely, and transparent crop data, ushering in a new era of precision farming in India.

Key Points

1. Challenges Addressed by GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application

   • • Delay in Reporting: Historically, data collection, compilation, and yield estimation have relied on manual processes, causing significant delays in reporting by states. The new approach involves GPS-enabled mobile applications, ensuring the prompt reporting of crop statistics.
     • Transparency: GPS-enabled devices provide precise latitude and longitude coordinates for data collection points. This information establishes a direct link between data and specific geographic locations, eliminating ambiguity and data manipulation concerns.

2. Key Features of the GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application

   • • Comprehensive Information: The portal and the app serve as an extensive repository of yield estimation data. They provide village-wise GCES plans, plot details where crop cutting experiments are conducted, post-harvest crop weights, and crop driage weight information.
     • Geo-referencing: Geo-referencing is a standout feature of the mobile application, empowering field workers to delineate the boundaries of experimental plots and upload accompanying photos of both the plots and crops. This capability significantly augments data transparency and precision. 

3. Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW, highlighted the successful integration of advanced technologies in various sectors of agriculture. He encouraged states to fully adopt the GCES web portal and mobile application for improved outcomes and reliable estimations.
4. Shri Arun Kumar, Senior Economic and Statistical Adviser, welcomed Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja and discussed ongoing initiatives at DAC&FW to enhance data accuracy and digital data governance in agriculture. He emphasized how these initiatives would usher in a new era of more accurate and real-time crop yield monitoring.
5. Ms. Ruchika Gupta, Adviser, DA & FW, shared essential insights into the GCES portal and mobile application’s development. She emphasized that automation would streamline the GCES process, ensuring timely reporting of crop statistics and data accuracy. Ms. Gupta also mentioned that various agencies, including the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, and Directorate of Economics & Statistics, are involved in conducting Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE) in different states.
6. Ms. Sonia Sharma, Additional Statistical Adviser, DA&FW, presented the revamped process flow of GCES using the web portal and mobile application, which are currently undergoing pilot testing in 12 states and scheduled for rollout by the 3rd week of October 2023.

Conclusion

The launch of the GCES mobile app and web portal marks a significant advancement in Indian agriculture, driven by Shri Manoj Ahuja and the DA & FW. Aligned with the Prime Minister’s tech-focused vision, this initiative addresses reporting delays and data transparency, ushering in a new era of precision farming. GPS integration enables real-time, location-specific data, empowering farmers for informed decisions and promoting data-driven agriculture. As it progresses through pilot testing towards the full October 2023 rollout, the GCES platform promises timely, precise, and transparent crop information, fostering increased productivity and sustainable farming for India’s agricultural communities.This technology-driven approach holds the promise of increased agricultural productivity, sustainable farming, and a brighter future for India’s farming communities.

Farmers, the unsung heroes of our land, toil tirelessly under the sun to cultivate the very foundation of our meals – wheat. Yet, the delicate balance of our food security often hangs in the balance, threatened by price fluctuations, hoarding, and unscrupulous speculation. In a bid to safeguard food security, combat hoarding, and curb speculative practices, the Government of India has introduced crucial amendments to stock limits on wheat. These changes, outlined in the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits, and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023, are set to significantly impact farmers, traders, and consumers alike. With the aim of stabilizing wheat prices and ensuring an adequate supply, these modifications come as a welcome relief in the agricultural landscape.

Overview

To address the rising wheat prices and promote fair trade practices, the Central Government has embarked on a mission to revise the wheat stock limits for various stakeholders. These limits, applicable to traders, wholesalers, big chain retailers, and processors across all States and Union Territories, are designed to foster transparency, prevent artificial scarcity, and stabilize prices. The central aim is to ensure that the golden grains that sustain our nation’s appetite remain both abundant and affordable.

The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits, and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023, issued on June 12, 2023, has been made applicable to all states and union territories in India. These amendments are set to be in force until March 31, 2024. The primary focus of these changes is to address the increasing trend in wheat prices and ensure that there is no artificial scarcity of this essential commodity in the country.

Key Points

1. Revised Stock Limits: To mitigate the rising wheat prices, the Central Government has reduced the wheat stock limits for specific entities. The new stock limits are as follows:

• • Traders/Wholesalers: The wheat stock limit for traders and wholesalers has been reduced from 3000 MT to 2000 MT.
  • Big Chain Retailers: Big chain retailers can now hold up to 10 MT of wheat at each outlet and up to 2000 MT at all their depots.

2. Registration Requirement: All entities involved in wheat stocking are now obligated to register on the wheat stock limit portal, which can be accessed at (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login). This portal is a critical tool for monitoring and enforcing the new stock limits.
3. Weekly Stock Updates: Registered wheat stocking entities must regularly update their stock positions on the portal every Friday. This ensures transparency and accountability in wheat stocking practices.
4. Legal Consequences: Entities that fail to register on the portal or violate the new stock limits will face punitive actions under Section 6 & 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. These measures are designed to discourage hoarding and speculative activities.
5. Stock Correction Period: In cases where entities exceed the prescribed stock limits, they are required to reduce their stocks to the specified limits within 30 days of the notification. This provision ensures that the new limits are adhered to promptly.
6. Government Oversight: Both Central and State Governments will actively monitor and enforce these stock limits to prevent any artificial scarcity of wheat in the country. This oversight aims to maintain fair pricing and ensure the availability of wheat for consumers.
7. Food Security: The Department of Food and Public Distribution is playing a crucial role in overseeing wheat stocks to control prices and maintain an adequate supply. This measure underscores the government’s commitment to food security and affordability for all citizens.

In essence, these measures strike a delicate balance between the interests of farmers and consumers. They seek to shield the farming community from unfair market practices while ensuring that every Indian household can afford the staple that sustains them – wheat.

Conclusion

The recent amendments to wheat stock limits in India mark a significant step in safeguarding food security and ensuring that wheat remains accessible and affordable for consumers. These changes, aimed at countering escalating wheat prices and preventing hoarding, carry legal consequences for non-compliance. Farmers, traders, and consumers can rest assured that the government is actively monitoring and enforcing these limits to maintain a stable wheat market. By revising stock limits and introducing mandatory registration and reporting, the government is taking proactive measures to protect the interests of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector. This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to achieving a balance between fair pricing and food security for the nation.