Stocks

Overview

Food grain stocking norms refers to the level of stock in the Central Pool that is sufficient to meet the operational requirement of foodgrains and exigencies at any point of time. Earlier this concept was termed as Buffer Norms and Strategic Reserve.

Presently stocking norms fixed by Government of India vide OM dated 22.01.2015 comprise:

• Operational stocks:  for meeting monthly distributional requirement under TPDS and OWS.

• Food security stocks/reserves: for meeting shortfall in procurement.

Stocking norms are for a quarter and consist of operational stock for the quarter and strategic reserve to take care of short fall in production or natural calamities.