Untimely rains hit wheat procurement amid record harvest hopes
Farmers have been forced to pause harvesting and the moisture content in the standing crop has increased, making it unsuitable for immediate procurement. The slowdown has led to lower-than-usual arrivals in the wholesale markets, affecting early procurement by government agencies.According to Food Corporation of India (FCI) data, the government’s wheat purchase from farmers in the 2026-27 rabi marketing season (April–June) was 324,065 tonnes as of 8 April, compared to 398,030 tonnes a year ago.
Haryana leads the procurement tally, with state agencies having purchased around 199,702 tonnes of wheat, Rajasthan has procured 78,611 tonnes, while Uttar Pradesh has bought 33,535 tonnes. Punjab purchased around 7,674 tonnes.
Procurement is yet to start in Madhya Pradesh.Government estimates peg India's wheat production at a record 120.21 million tonnes (mt) this rabi marketing season, about 2.26 million tonnes more than last year’s 117.94 million tonnes.Anticipating a bumper harvest, the government set a target to procure 30.33 million tonnes of wheat from farmers at the minimum support price this season: Punjab (12.2 million), Haryana (7.2 million), Madhya Pradesh (7.8 million), Uttar Pradesh (1 million) and Rajasthan (2.1 million). Higher procurement will help government keep a lid on prices.Farmers say harvesting activity is expected to gain pace over the next 7-10 days, as weather conditions improve and fields become accessible.
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