Govt plans to double down on rice, millet stocking amid heat threat to wheat yield

The central government, aware of the high chances of heatwaves over food-bowl states and their potential impact on the wheat harvest, will get by with enough stock of rice and millets to meet the country's food security needs, according to procurement plans put in place.

- Zia Haq

The government aims to procure 34.1 million tonne of wheat at federally determined prices.

Even if rising temperatures do impact wheat output, as they did last year, estimates are available on the extent to which yields could drop, an official said, seeking anonymity.

To tide over any shortage, the government has doubled down on paddy purchases and has asked states that grow millets to draw up elaborate networks to buy the hardy cereals. Millets.