Why in news
- Department of Food and Public Distribution lowered permissible broken grain limits for rice procurement during Kharif Marketing Season 2026-27.
- The nationwide paddy procurement target for KMS 2026-27 was set at 708.64 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT).
Procurement Regulatory Norms
- Central Pool foodgrain procurement is executed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) alongside State Civil Supplies Corporations.
- **Fair Average Quality (FAQ)** specifications govern maximum permissible moisture, broken grains, and foreign matter in procured grains.
Key Specification Changes
- Raw rice procurement standard now restricts broken grains to a maximum of 10%, down from the previous limit of 25%.
- Parboiled rice specifications cap broken grains at 5%, reduced from the prior limit of 16%.
Why it matters
- Improves nutritional value and storage life of grain distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
Key terms
Kharif Marketing Season (KMS)
The official procurement cycle for summer-sown crops running from October to September of the subsequent year.
Fair Average Quality (FAQ)
Mandatory physical quality parameters prescribed by the Union government for crop procurement at Minimum Support Price.
Prelims facts
- Food Corporation of India operates under the Food Corporations Act, 1964 to maintain central food stocks.
Mains discussion
- Impact of strict **Fair Average Quality (FAQ)** norms on Public Distribution System quality and post-harvest milling infrastructure.
Source: PIB Press Release
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UPSC has asked this before
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