<h1>Economic Survey 2014-15: Food Subsidy Bill Soars 20% to Rs. 107,823.75 Cr, Urges Better Targeting and Investment.</h1> The Economic Survey 2014-15 highlights a significant increase in the Food Subsidy Bill, reaching Rs. 107,823.75 crore by January 2015, a 20.15% rise from the previous year. This increase strains public finances, as the economic costs of wheat and rice have risen without changes in issue prices since 2002. The survey suggests rationalizing subsidies and better targeting beneficiaries to free up resources for agricultural investment. It emphasizes the need for substantial investment in agricultural research, education, and infrastructure. The survey also references the Shanta Kumar Committee's recommendations for future food policy improvements.