The Food Corporation of India FCI currently holds 45.57 million tonnes MT of grain, including 32.68 million MT of rice stocks and 12.89 million MT receivable from millers. This is well above the buffer requirement of 10.25 million MT for October 1. The government has permitted grain-deficient states to buy rice directly from the FCI under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) without participating in the electronic auction (e-auction) starting August 1. Under OMSS, FCI will sell rice to state governments at Rs 2,800 per quintal. Additionally, surplus rice from FCI stocks will be available to bulk buyers through e-auction at the same base price. States with rice shortages will be able to purchase rice under OMSS without the need for e-auction participation.