Centre and States Review Procurement Targets, Storage Expansion, and Tech-Driven PDS Reforms at Food Secretaries Conference
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Department of Food and Public Distribution reviewed foodgrain procurement targets, including 708.64 lakh metric tonnes of paddy and 18.85 lakh metric tonnes of coarse grains for KMS 2026-27, alongside introducing new quality specifications for fortified rice.
- A new storage policy was reviewed to create 131 lakh metric tonnes of additional capacity (111 lakh metric tonnes by states and 20 lakh metric tonnes by FCI) to address regional imbalances and utilization issues.
- Key technology-driven PDS reforms were evaluated, including the Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS) implementation deadline of December 2026, reaching 90.64% e-KYC coverage by July 2026, and expanding the CBDC-based DBT pilot for Fair Price Shop dealer margins.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
By July 30, 2026, e-KYC coverage under the Public Distribution System reached 90.64%. The Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026-27 paddy procurement target is set at 708.64 lakh metric tonnes, and the new storage policy aims to add 131 lakh metric tonnes of capacity.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Integration of technology in the Public Distribution System—such as AI-based procurement portals, VLTS for real-time tracking of foodgrain movement, and CBDC-based direct benefit transfers for dealer margins—enhances transparency, reduces leakages, and strengthens food security architecture.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Consider the following initiatives and policy measures discussed at the recent conference of State and Union Territory Food Secretaries by the Department of Food and Public Distribution: 1. Introduction of new quality specifications for fortified rice starting from KMS 2026-27, replacing existing broken grain limits. 2. Formulation of a new storage policy to create 131 lakh metric tonnes of additional capacity, with a major share to be developed by the states. 3. Implementation of the Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS) across all states with a deadline set for December 2026. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All the statements are correct based on the policy briefing. The conference reviewed the procurement targets for KMS 2026-27 along with new specifications for fortified rice (such as revised broken grain limits), a new storage policy aiming to create 131 lakh metric tonnes of additional capacity (111 lakh metric tonnes by states and 20 lakh metric tonnes by FCI), and technology-driven Public Distribution System (PDS) reforms including the Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS) implementation deadline of December 2026.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.