Government Wheat Procurement Surpasses Last Year’s Total
Current Rabi Marketing Season Sees Big Increase
New Delhi: The government has bought more wheat this year. As of Sunday, they have bought 296 lakh tonnes. This is 11% more than last year’s total. This means the government can meet food security needs and control price rises.
Procurement Continues Until Late June
Buying will continue until the end of June in some states. The government hopes to buy more than 300 lakh tonnes in total.
State-wise Procurement Details
Punjab and Haryana, two big wheat-producing states, have bought less this year. But Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have bought much more.
- Madhya Pradesh bought 77.7 lakh tonnes by Sunday. This is 66% more than last year.
- Rajasthan bought 17.2 lakh tonnes. This is almost double last year’s amount.
Officials say private buyers are buying more in Punjab and Haryana. “There is enough wheat for everyone this year,” said an official. “Private buyers offering better prices is good for farmers.”
Record Wheat Production Expected
The agriculture ministry expects a record 1,154 lakh tonnes of wheat in 2024-25. The Food Corporation of India gives around 184 lakh tonnes to 80 crore people under the PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna and other schemes.
Procurement Trends Over the Years
In 2021-22, the government bought a record 433 lakh tonnes. But in 2022-23, they bought only 188 lakh tonnes due to lower production. In 2023-24, buying increased by 40% to 262 lakh tonnes.
