Answer the following in a sentence each.

What is buffer stock?

The Indian government has established the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to purchase and sell food grains and to ensure the maintenance of food security. The FCI was established by the government to procure food from the farmers by giving them the minimum support price and storing them as buffer stocks to ensure food security in the country. These grains are then scientifically stored in godowns and distributed among the public through the Public Distribution System (PDS). This purchased and stored food grains are called buffer stock. It will help in reducing the crisis during the shortage of food grains.