India Has Sufficient Food Stocks, No Need to Panic: Pralhad Joshi Warns Against Hoarding Amid Ceasefire

Union Minister Urges Calm, Says Food Grain Buffer Can Last Over a Year​

Hubballi (Karnataka), May 12 – Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday reassured citizens that India has sufficient reserves of essential commodities, urging them not to panic in the wake of the recent India-Pakistan conflict. He warned against hoarding and black marketing, stating that stringent action would be taken against those creating artificial scarcity.

Speaking to reporters, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution confirmed that the country holds a buffer stock of food grains adequate for at least 1 to 1.5 years.

“We have an abundant quantity of food grains. Our production of rice, wheat, and pulses is substantial, and there is no need for worry,” Joshi said.

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He also clarified that instructions have been issued to state governments to take strict action against those hoarding or engaging in black marketing. The Centre, he added, has a robust distribution system and sufficient supplies of pulses and cooking oil to meet public demand.

India’s Policy Shift on Terrorism: Any Attack to Be Considered 'Act of War'​

Addressing the recent tensions with Pakistan, Joshi noted that while a ceasefire is currently in place, India has adopted a firm stance moving forward.

“We will not consider terrorism as an isolated activity anymore. Any such act will be treated as an act of war,” the minister stated.

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He highlighted that the Indian armed forces have significantly dismantled terror infrastructure over the past few days, including hideouts, training camps, and other support networks. This comes in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this month.

Opposition Urged to Maintain Unity; Ceasefire Clarification Issued​

On the opposition’s criticism regarding alleged US mediation in the ceasefire agreement, Joshi clarified that the agreement followed a call from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart. He emphasized that there were preconditions involved and dismissed claims of foreign interference.

“No senior ministers have made any political statement regarding the current situation. The country must remain united,” Joshi said.

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Regarding demands for a special Parliament session, Joshi mentioned that the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry would address the matter. He also confirmed that all-party meetings have been held to keep the opposition informed about developments following the Pahalgam attack.