Ensuring minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers through effective procurement and efficient management of foodgrain stocks and strengthening the public distribution system (PDS) are the top priorities of the new Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

Addressing reporters after assuming charge here on Tuesday, Paswan said protecting consumer interest also figures on top on his agenda. Streamlining the working of the Food Corporation of India and making the PDS more effective will be his priority, Paswan, the leader of Lok Janashakti Party and an ally of the BJP, said.

Further, Paswan said the foodgrain procurement system will be strengthened to ensure that its benefits reach farmers. He also said the infrastructure at consumer courts will be strengthened to expedite disposal of consumer complaints.

Record output

Paswan takes charge at a time when the granaries are overflowing with cereals such as wheat and rice with the country harvesting a record output. The Central pool of foodgrain stocks as on May 1 stood at 54.81 million tonnes (mt), more than twice the strategic and buffer norms of 21.2 mt as on April 1.

Wheat procurement in the 2014-15 marketing season is still going on in States such as Punjab and Haryana with the State and Central agencies making more cereal purchases than last year. So far, wheat purchases have been 8.29 per cent higher at 27.17 million tonnes against corresponding last year’s 25.09 mt. Procurement is higher in States such as Punjab at 11.52 mt, Haryana 6.48 mt, Madhya Pradesh 7.09 mt and Rajasthan 2 mt.

Millers want stable policy

Meanwhile, welcoming the BJP-led Narendra Modi Government, the Indian Sugar Millers Association has urged for a stable policy support. “The sugar industry has great expectations from the new Government as it is facing financial difficulties for a long period and needs stability. We urge the Government’s support in providing a stable policy for the sugar industry and help the rural economy grow further,” Ajit Shriram, President, ISMA, in a statement said.