Wheat procurement crosses last year’s total figure, Central Pool in 'comfortable position'

Highest wheat procurement contribution from Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

The procurement of wheat in this Rabi marketing season (RMS) 2024-25 has surpassed last year's total figure of 262 lakh tonne, with a total MSP outflow of Rs 59,715 crore, according to the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ministry.

262.48 lakh tonne of wheat has already been procured so far this year in the Central Pool, surpassing last year’s total procurement of 262.02 lakh tonne.

The Food Ministry said 22.31 lakh farmers have recieved the MSP benefit during the RMS 2024-25, with the highest wheat procurement contribution coming from Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The procurement figures imply that the combined stock of wheat and rice under the Central Pool has surpassed 600 lakh tonne, enough to meet requirements under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes as well as for market interventions, the Food Ministry said.

Centre has announced an MSP of Rs 2275 per quintal for wheat, which is Rs 150 higher than last year's figure. In addition to this, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh had announced a bonus of Rs 125 per quintal to boost purchases in their states.

Centre had banned wheat exports in May 2022, non-basmati rice exports from July 2023 and extended curbs on sugar exports beyond October 2023, as part of measures to control rising domestic prices.

Late last year, India has informed the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that the export ban on rice is a regulation rather than a restriction, and is crucial for securing the food security.