File Photo: Union Food Minister Ramvilas Paswan
Allaying fears that deficient monsoon may have an adverse impact on food supply, Union Food Minister Ramvilas Paswan today said such a situation will not force people to starve as country has "sufficient" foodgrains stock that can last for at least one year.
"Bad monsoon is not an issue. It will not affect us as we have good stock of grains. It can last for at least one year. Nobody will remain hungry," Mr Paswan told reporters when asked if his ministry is prepared to deal with an adverse scenario arising from insufficient rains.
The Metrological department has predicted "deficient" monsoon and revised its forecast from 93 per cent to 88 per cent for this year, with northwest region of the country expected to be hit the most.