GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT
FCI wheat procurement hits 26.6 mn tn, surpassing last year's purchase
The government's robust procurement efforts, exceeding targets in wheat and paddy, have significantly bolstered food security. FCI's strong storage infrastructure ensures the maintenance of adequate food supplies, benefitting millions of farmers across the country.
Nandini hits new milestone with 10 mn litres of milk procurement daily
Karnataka achieves record daily milk procurement of 10 million litres, prompting increased subsidy burden. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlights growth in dairy sector under Nandini brand, despite opposition claims of milk price hikes.
Government eases rules for global sourcing of medical gear
Pavan Choudary, chairman, Medical Technology Association of India (MTAI), termed the move a path-breaking effort by the government towards equitable policy making, spanning the crucial last mile which was uncovered so far.
Rafale’s India operations get a strategic push; Dassault establishes maintenance facility near Jewar Airport
Dassault Aviation is advancing plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility near Jewar International Airport for India’s Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters. This move supports India's aspiration to locally manufacture the latest Rafale versions under the "Make in India" initiative. Engine maker Safran SA also intends to set up an MRO facility for Rafale engines in Hyderabad, aiming for operations by 2025 and potential local production of M-88 engines. These developments are crucial as India seeks to bolster its defense capabilities amidst regional security challenges, including from China's expanding military presence.
Stop Nafed's onion procurement till irregularities are investigated, demand farmers
Onion growers are demanding the suspension of Nafed's onion procurement operations due to reported irregularities found by a Nafed team during surprise visits to procurement centers. This demand could hinder the government's goal of creating a strategic onion buffer. The central government aims to procure 5 lakh tonnes of onions for the Price Stabilisation Fund but faces challenges as market prices are higher than the government's offer prices. Allegations of irregularities include buying onions from traders instead of farmers and presenting them as purchases made for Nafed.
Govt buys 71,000 tonnes of onion for buffer stock; expects retail prices to ease with normal monsoon
The Indian government has procured nearly 71,000 tonnes of onion this year for buffer stock, out of a total target of 5 lakh tonnes for price stabilisation. The all-India average onion retail price is Rs 38.67 per kg, while the modal price is Rs 40 per kg. The government is on course to achieve targeted procurement of 5 lakh tonnes for price stabilisation. The procurement price is dynamic and linked to prevailing market prices.
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Centre committed to procure pulses at MSP to boost production, cut imports: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
The Centre commits to procuring tur, urad, and masur at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to boost domestic production and reduce imports. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlights the launch of the e-Samridhi portal through cooperatives NAFED and NCCF for farmer registration.
Agri Minister asks states to encourage farmers to register on e-Samridhi portal to avail procurement benefits
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized the government's commitment to procure major pulses like tur, urad, and masur at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). He urged state governments to promote farmer registration on the e-Samridhi portal for assured procurement. The portal, launched through NAFED, facilitates registration for farmers to avail MSP benefits.
Road construction down by 12.1% to 1288 km in the current financial year up to May 2024
As per the monthly update, released the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) on Wednesday, the capital expenditure incurred during the period stood at Rs 57,925 crore till May 2024, which is 42.5% of the capital outlay under the vote on account provision for the first five months of 2024- 25.
Govt allows global tenders to access 120 key, patented drugs
In what could ease access to some patented medicines, the government has allowed global tenders to be floated for procurement of 120 drugs, including anti-diabetic medication Semaglutide, after the health ministry raised concerns over lack of domestic options.
Modi takes charge as PM; first decision is to release Kisan Nidhi instalment worth Rs 20,000 cr for farmers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the 17th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on Monday, marking his first act after his third consecutive swearing-in. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), launched in 2019, provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers, disbursed in three instalments of ₹2,000 each, directly to their bank accounts.
Ministries divided over inclusion of IT gear in public procurement list
Differences have erupted between DPIIT and IT ministry over listing electronic consumables (printer cartridges, toners, cables) in public procurement preference list.
India set for wheat imports after six years, to shore up reserves
India is set to resume wheat imports after a six-year hiatus to replenish dwindling reserves and stabilize soaring prices caused by poor harvests. The government is expected to scrap the 40% import tax post-election, allowing private traders to source from top exporter Russia. This move is crucial to ensure ample wheat supply in the market and avoid further price hikes.
Wheat procurement crosses last year's figure, comfortable to meet demand: Food ministry
Wheat procurement for the 2024-25 Rabi marketing season progresses smoothly, surpassing last year's total with 262.48 lakh tonnes acquired, benefiting 22.31 lakh farmers. Major states contributing include Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Rice procurement from the previous Kharif season also proceeds well, ensuring ample stock for welfare programs. Monsoon forecasts remain pivotal for agricultural planning.
Govt plans big scale radiation processing of onions to prevent shortages
Government plans to irradiate onions to create a 1,00,000-tonne buffer stock amidst a projected 16% output decline. Radiation aims to extend shelf life, curb price volatility. Fifty irradiation centers identified near consumption areas; NAFED and NCCF tasked with procurement. Controlled atmosphere storage at railway hubs considered for quicker transportation.
India poised to surpass last year's wheat procurement record
Government agencies set to exceed last year's wheat procurement figure, with current purchases nearing 261 lakh tonnes. FCI officials confident total procurement will reach 270 lakh tonnes. Madhya Pradesh extends procurement period to May 31. Punjab and Haryana record higher purchases. Efforts to boost procurement in Uttar Pradesh as well.
1,366 tenders worth Rs 60,276 cr procurement violate Make-in-India norms
An analysis by DPIIT reveals 1,366 government tenders worth Rs 60,276 crore non-compliant with procurement norms; 369 tenders violated Make in India Order, 40 sought specific foreign certification. DPIIT recommends increasing local content requirements and identifies various violations in public procurement tenders, prompting corrective actions.
Central PSUs' buys from GeM rise by 36%, exceed target
India's Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) continued to bolster economic activity, exceeding the mandated procurement from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by 36.34% in the Financial Year 2024, surpassing the required 25%. In total, 54 CPSEs and five government departmental entities, including the Railways Board and the National Highways Authority of India, procured goods through Government e-marketplace (GeM), amounting to ₹2.62 lakh crore by March 31, 2024.
Centre aims 7-fold jump in wheat procurement from UP, Rajasthan, Bihar this year
"UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan have been contributing much less than they could have. We are targeting total wheat procurement of 310 lakh tonne this year. Of which, we are hoping to procure at least 50 lakh tonne from three non-traditional procurement states alone," he said.
Centre to increase wheat procurement from Bihar, Rajasthan UP drastically
The Indian government plans to increase wheat procurement from Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to 50 LMT in Rabi Marketing Season 2024-25, aiming to meet its procurement target of 310 LMT and restore wheat allocation in various food security programs. The government has identified 59 districts for procurement, increased the number of procurement centres from 10,366 to 12,253, and increased the number of registered farmers from 2.22 lakh to 3.58 lakhs in RMS 2024-25.
India asks traders to avoid buying new-season wheat to shore up state stocks
India urges global and local trade entities to refrain from purchasing new-season wheat from farmers to support the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in bolstering its diminishing reserves. Dry weather has impacted wheat output, prompting the government to intervene to stabilize prices and ensure sufficient supply for welfare programs.
Maize prices surge, procurement for ethanol may be hit
Government's maize procurement for ethanol impacts prices, leading to concerns over reduced state procurement. Farmers may opt for private traders due to high prices. India promotes maize as a sugar alternative for ethanol production amid declining sugar production.
Wheat stock declaration requirement extended indefinitely
The Indian government has indefinitely extended the requirement for the wheat industry to declare their stock positions, which was initially set to expire on March 31. Traders, wholesalers, retailers, and processors are mandated to declare their stocks on a portal every Friday starting from April 1 until further notice.
In a first, more government agencies allowed to source wheat directly for Bharat Atta
Government pushes Bharat brand staples to curb food inflation, targeting consumers ineligible for free foodgrains. Quality control measures planned. Bharat products cheaper and sold directly to consumers, including through ecommerce and retail stores.
Private companies may have to let government buy wheat first
Private wheat industry and trade are eyeing Uttar Pradesh, currently the source of the cheapest wheat in India, as the central government's wheat stock is expected to fall below the buffer norm on April 1 for the first time in over a decade. However, they may have to wait before refilling their silos until the government meets its procurement targets. The government has signaled to the industry not to hoard wheat during the arrival season to allow for procurement. While the new crop will start arriving in April, larger volumes are expected after mid-April.
Government to begin procurement of 5 lakh tonnes of rabi onion in 2-3 days to protect farmers' interest
Government ensures procurement of 5 lakh tonnes of rabi onion to support farmers amidst export ban extension. Measures to stabilize mandi prices, involve key officials, and protect farmers' interests are highlighted. Initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer and radiation treatment for onion preservation are emphasized.
'Centre plans to procure five lakh tonnes of onions this year for buffer stock'
The government's plan to create buffer stock comes amid an estimated fall in onion output in 2023-24. "Production of onion in 2023-24 is expected to be around 254.73 lakh tonnes compared to around 302.08 lakh tonnes last year due to a decrease of 34.31 lakh tonnes in Maharashtra, 9.95 lakh tonnes in Karnataka, 3.54 lakh tonnes in Andhra Pradesh and 3.12 lakh tonnes in Rajasthan," the agriculture ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
NITI Aayog working group suggests government re-visit rice and wheat procurement policy at MSP
The 23-member working group on crop husbandry, agriculture inputs, demand and supply, set up by the Aayog in 2022 under PS Birthal, director, ICAR-NIAP, is of the view that the open-ended procurement of rice and wheat at minimum support prices acts as a disincentive for diversification towards high-value and riskier crops.
Govt sets conservative wheat procurement target of 30-32 million tonnes for 2024-25 season
The target was fixed after a deliberation with state food secretaries in a meeting chaired by Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra in the national capital on Wednesday.
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