Despite rural incomes and consumption rising steadily in the past few years, rural retail chains have not been able to match the success of their urban counterparts.

In April, government's granaries had a stock of 59.6 million tonnes of foodgrain, mainly wheat and rice, which was almost three times the stipulated buffer needed to meet shortages.

Food Minister K V Thomas has said south-west monsoon rains are expected to be \"satisfactory\" barring some states in South India.

Perhaps a mix of both cash transfers and the traditional PDS would be the best solution. As Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh have shown, PDS is not beyond repair and can function efficiently if there is the will to make it work.

In the wake of corruption investigations, dysfunctional governance and a growing gulf between politicians and the people, the approaching assembly polls will circumscribe economic policy options.

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister K. V. Thomas said during Question Hour that the total requirement of subsidy for FCI is now estimated at Rs 85,359 crore.

The government has decided to lift the over four-year-old ban on wheat exports, even as shipment of the grain is not viable at current global prices.

Poor rains have damaged the summer crop in quantity and quality. As the monsoon whimsy continues, some intelligent government intervention could help save the winter crop.

By drawing on ITC’s strengths in businesses as diverse as cigarettes to hotels to agri-business, Chairman Y.C. Deveshwar has built an FMCG machine that’s become the market leader in several segments. Now, it’s eyeing the No. 1 slot.