The Indian government has set the rice procurement target for the current kharif marketing season (KMS) 2025-26 at 46.35 million tonnes (mt), which is lower than the 47.4 mt procured from the kharif 2024 crop. The government is having trouble with its excess rice stock since it requires only 41 mt annually for various schemes.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution, in a meeting with state officials and the Food Corporation of India (FCI), also set a target of 1.92 mt for coarse grains and millets (Shree Anna) for the KMS 2025-26. States have been advised to focus on procuring millets to promote crop diversification and improve nutrition. The procurement estimate for paddy may be revised once the Agriculture Ministry releases its production estimates, as heavy rainfall and floods have damaged crops in many parts of the country.
For instance, Punjab, a major contributor of rice to the Central Pool, might not be able to procure the same amount as last year due to crop damage. The India Meteorological Department has predicted higher-than-normal rainfall in rice-growing regions of Chhattisgarh, Punjab, and Haryana in September.