national total of processed fish products and 46% of tinned fish products. The processing of fish products for popular consumption increased as a whole in the period 1983-1987 by an average annual rate of 7.2% 229. Regulatory action in the food marketing and distribution phase continued to be taken through the governmental institutions and enterprises that intervene in that section of the food chain. To that end CONASUPO made purchases from Mexican producers to a total of 4.6 million tonnes of basic grains. To supplement the supply of those products from Mexico itself CCWASUPO purchased 3 million tonnes abroad, representing 58% of the total Mexican imports of those grains. 230. CCWASUPO, moreover, maintained at 4.3 million tonnes the level of the technical regulatory stocks in order to guarantee the supply of basic products. This enabled the institution to sell 6.4 million tonnes on the Mexican market in that year. 231. As regards wholesale and retail distribution, the DICONSA system continued decentralizing its network of shops, 69% of which were sited in the rural areas. The total number of DICONSA shops is 23,102. IMPECSA continued to support small shopkeeping, using its 208 branches to supply 145,000 small shopkeepers with basic products and popular consumer items. 232. Furthermore, through the voucher system of the Maize-Tortilla Programme approximately 600,000 tonnes of tortillas were retailed in 1987 to population groups with inccwies up to twice the minimum wage. It is estimated that the Programme benefited at least 850,000 feunilies in 1987.E/1986/3/Add.l3 page 45 233. As regards consumption and nutrition activities to alleviate the harmful effects of inflationary pressure on consumption continued. Food welfare assistance has been a key element in encouraging and supporting the consumption of nutritive foods among vulnerable groups of the population, basically preschool children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. It has been 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the food supply chain and the distribution of food products in Mexico, focusing on the government's efforts to regulate and support the industry. It mentions specific institutions, such as CONASUPO and CCWASUPO, and their activities related to purchasing, storing, and distributing food products. The text also touches on nutrition and consumption, highlighting the government's efforts to encourage the consumption of nutritious foods among vulnerable groups.

**Category**
Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Economic development