New Delhi, Feb 8 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will chair a high-powered core group to examine some key issues concerning India's overall food security with members drawn not only from his cabinet but also chief ministers of 10 states.

The decision was taken during a day-long conference of Chief Ministers convened by the Prime Minister here on Saturday that focussed on steps to rein in the country's food inflation and bring down prices of essential items, an official spokesperson said.

The core group will examine and make recommendations on six issues:

- How to raise the country's farm productivity

- How to bridge the gap between farm-gate and retail prices

- How the Essential Commodities Act can be strengthened to prevent hoarding

- How to ensure better delivery of food and strengthen public distribution system

- How the warehousing network in the country can be augmented, and

- How to ensure better seeds and fertilisers at fair prices to farmers

From the federal government, those on the group include Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council Chairman C. Rangarajan.

These key members of the cabinet apart, Chief Ministers of 10 states, including those of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat, will be members of the panel.