Friday, March 24 2006 14:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The important issue of reviewing food subsidy bill would be done in May once wheat procurement season gets over, Union Agriculture and Food Minister Sharad Pawar said today (Mar 24, 2006).

"We will review food subsidy situation in May," he said.

A clear picture would emerge on total procurement in May when the wheat procurement gets over, he added.

"There is no problem in rice stocks. We have to see wheat stock situation in May and only then we can take a decision on revising the food subsidy bill," he said.

He made it categorical that the issue of cutting down Rs 23,000-24,000 crore food subsidy bill have to be done through a consensus.

He, however, said diversion of food grains from the Public Distribution System is the main concern area.

"A number of states have complained to us about diversion from Public Distribution System to market," he said and added "We have to be tough on such diversions."

On the preparedness about the Rabi procurement season, he said "Procurement of the main wheat crop would start by middle of next month in Punjab, Haryana and Western UP".

Wheat procurement in Madhya Pradesh began last week.

He expressed confidence of achieving 162 lakh tonne wheat procurement target this year. He also ruled out any procurement bouns on the minimum support price of wheat.

The responsibility for achieving procurement target lies with Food Corporation of India, he said adding the agency has already put in place all system for a successful procurement operation.