NewsGate Press Network

The Central Government allayed any fears of shortage of food stocks in the country in wake of continuing West Asia conflict and stated that country has about 602 lakh metric tones (LMT).

While giving details to the media on Monday the 6th of April 2026, on the availability of food stocks, C Shikha, Joint Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, said that India has an adequate buffer stock of food grains, well above the prescribed norms.

She stated that the country currently has around 222 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and approximately 380 LMT of rice, taking the total food stock to about 602 LMT.

“We have adequate buffer stock of both wheat and rice, three times the buffer stock norms, which is there. For wheat, we have around 222 LMT. For rice, we are having around 380 LMT. So put together, around 602 LMT of food stocks are available with us.This is quite enough to take care of the PDS requirement, as well as any emergency requirement, if any,” the official added.

Media was also informed that imports from key partners such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina and Brazil have continued steadily, contributing to overall supply stability.

This has improved mustard production has also strengthened domestic availability, particularly in the edible oil segment.

“Imports from key partners have continued steadily, and our key partners include Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, and Brazil. Improved mustard production has strengthened the domestic supply. Overall supply remains stable. The government will continue to monitor this closely and will intervene if required,” the joint secretary added.

Meanwhile, Mukesh Mangal, who is the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said that all Indian seafarers in the West Asia region are safe and maritime operations remain stable. He stated that no incidents involving Indian-flag vessels have been reported in the past 24 hours.

“In the past two days, two Indian-flag vessels, Green Sanghvi and Green Asha, carrying LPG, have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

Mangal further informed that 16 Indian-flagged vessels are currently present in the Western Persian Gulf region, carrying a total of 433 Indian seafarers.

He added that the Ministry is in constant coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of seafarers, along with uninterrupted maritime operations.

It may be recalled that there were 18 Indian vessels with around 485 seafarers that were held-up in the Persian Gulf after the closure of Strait of Hormuz.