Gujarat Provides Free Foodgrains to 1.14 Crore Beneficiaries

GANDHINAGAR :  More than 1.14 crore beneficiaries from needy families across Gujarat have received free foodgrains under the state’s Food Security Scheme over the past five years, providing a crucial support system for households dependent on subsidised food supplies.

According to government data, the distribution during the period included large quantities of wheat and rice, along with coarse grains. The scheme has expanded its reach steadily, with the number of beneficiary families rising significantly in recent years.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramanbhai Solanki said the state government, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has taken several measures to strengthen food security.

“The government is committed to ensuring that foodgrains and other essential commodities reach needy families in a timely and transparent manner,” Solanki said.

The scheme covered 306,026 families comprising 14.48 lakh beneficiaries in 2022-23. The coverage increased to 563,406 families and 25.43 lakh beneficiaries in 2023-24.

In 2024-25, around 7.49 lakh families and 34.53 lakh beneficiaries received benefits, while in 2025-26, the number rose further to 9.20 lakh families covering 39.65 lakh beneficiaries.

Over the five-year period, the government also distributed wheat, rice and coarse grains through the scheme. In 2025-26 alone, beneficiaries received 8.76 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, 10.45 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 0.88 lakh metric tonnes of coarse grains.

The state government spent ₹7,001.25 lakh in 2025-26 on wheat and rice distribution. The expenditure stood at ₹7,665.94 lakh in 2024-25 and ₹6,761.85 lakh in 2023-24.

Apart from regular foodgrain distribution, beneficiaries have also received essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil and gram either free of cost or at subsidised rates during various festivals and through monthly provisions.

The Gujarat Food and Civil Supplies Corporation said systems have been strengthened to ensure that foodgrains reach eligible beneficiaries efficiently, supporting the government’s wider objective of improving food security across the state.