New Delhi, April 22 -- India's foodgrain stocks have surged well above its buffer norms, strengthening the country's cushion against supply shocks and global price swings. Government data shows central pool reserves were at 60.48 million tonnes (mt) as on 1 April-nearly three times the mandate-fanning a debate over how best to manage surplus stocks to benefit both farmers and consumers.

The latest data marks a strong recovery from 33.2 mt stock in 2023 and 37.65 mt in 2024, when food grain inventories had tightened. Experts attribute the sharp increase to favourable weather during the 2025 rabi season and government's aggressive procurement strategies to stabilize the domestic market.

Government data reveals a robust recovery in wheat r...