★ The central government is currently holding record levels of foodgrain stocks. As of May 1, 2026, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) had total grain stocks of 772.7 lakh tonnes, including 389.5 lakh tonnes of rice and 383 lakh tonnes of wheat. This is significantly higher than the buffer norm of 210.4 lakh tonnes fixed for April 1. In addition, nearly 300 lakh tonnes of rice receivable from millers is not included in these figures.

★ Every year, FCI distributes around 360-380 lakh tonnes of rice and 180-200 lakh tonnes of wheat under the PMGKAY scheme. Despite this large-scale distribution, government grain stocks continue to rise steadily.

★ During FY 2025-26, FCI sold a record 100 lakh tonnes of rice in the open market under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), while wheat sales remained limited to only 6 lakh tonnes.

★ The continuous increase of 3% to 7% annually in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of rice and wheat, along with the open-ended procurement policy for farmers, has led to a steady rise in government grain stocks.