The move was initiated to help various states with the distribution process
The Government of India has amended the guidelines for procurement, allocation, distribution and disposal of coarse grains dated 21.3.2014/26.12.2014. The distribution period of Jowar and Ragi has been increased to six to seven months respectively from the earlier period of three months. This would increase procurement and consumption of these commodities as the state would have more time to distribute these commodities in Target Public Distribution System/ Other Welfare Scheme.
The move was initiated as it was observed that several difficulties were being faced by some state governments to distribution period of coarse grain which was three months each for procurement and distribution activity, irrespective of the shelf life of the commodity.
A provision of inter-state transportation of surplus coarse grains through FCI is incorporated to cater for advanced demand placed by the consuming state before the start of procurement.
New guidelines would increase procurement/consumption of coarse grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS). As these crops are normally grown on marginal and un-irrigated land, therefore, enhanced cropping of these would encourage sustainable agriculture and crop diversification. With the increased procurement, the number of farmers benefitting from the procurement of these crops would also increase.
Marginal and poor farmers who are also PDS beneficiaries will gain due to procurement and then the distribution of millets at Rs 1 per kg. Region-specific coarse grains can be distributed for local consumption saving transportation cost of wheat/rice.
