INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Federal government has actually amended guidelines for procurement and distribution of coarse grainsIn an effort to enhance the supply of
coarse grains through provision stores and other well-being schemes, the federal government has allowed states to disperse jowar and ragi
within six and 7 months respectively, from the end of the procurement period.The period of circulation for coarse grains was 3 months
previously, from the end of the procurement period.This would increase procurement and consumption of jowar and ragi as the states would
have more time to distribute these commodities under target public distribution system and other well-being plans, main sources said.To
facilitate this, the federal government has actually modified the guidelines for procurement, allotment, distribution and disposal of coarse
grains dated March 21, 2014, and December 26, 2014, the food ministry said in an official statement.The procurement of coarse grains was
controlled by the 2014 guidelines, under which states were allowed to procure coarse grains from farmers at minimum assistance price (MSP)
under the main pool.This was subject to the prior approval of the Government of India on the comprehensive procurement strategy prepared by
states in assessment with the Food Corporation of India.As per the 2014 guidelines, the whole amount was to be dispersed within three months
from the end of the procurement period.To anticipate troubles faced by some states in procurement/distribution of coarse grains and to
increase procurement of coarse grains under the central pool, discussions were held with various stakeholders, official sources.Based on the
discussion with stakeholders, the Centre has amended the 2014 guidelines, they added
Distribution duration of jowar and ragi has actually been increased to 6 and 7 months, respectively, from the earlier period of 3 months,
