India records 29M tonnes wheat procurement for 2025/26 Rabi season, highest in three years
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) currently holds wheat stock of 36.65 MT, significantly higher than the buffer stock norm of 27.58 MT required as of July 1
INDIA – India’s wheat procurement during the 2025/26 Rabi marketing season (April–June) has hit 29.92 million tonnes (MT), registering a 13% increase over last year’s figure and marking the highest procurement in three years, according to a senior government official.
The surge in procurement is attributed to favorable crop yields and proactive procurement strategies across key wheat-producing states.
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) currently holds wheat stock of 36.65 MT, significantly higher than the buffer stock norm of 27.58 MT required as of July 1.
Officials indicate that this surplus will sufficiently meet the Public Distribution System (PDS) demands and will also allow for market interventions if needed to prevent price volatility.
Punjab led state-wise procurement with 11.93 MT, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 7.77 MT, Haryana at 7.14 MT, and Rajasthan with 2.02 MT. While most procurement has been completed, smaller quantities are still arriving at mandis in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
In Uttar Pradesh, procurement has reached around 0.96 MT, which is below the state’s target of 3 MT. The shortfall has been attributed to lower farmer participation despite increased procurement centers and incentives.
According to the government official, incentive schemes such as state bonuses have played a significant role in attracting farmers to the procurement process.
Additionally, the agriculture ministry has projected a record wheat production of 117.5 MT for the 2024/25 crop year, representing a 3.7% rise from the previous year.
To curb hoarding and keep wheat prices in check, the central government re-imposed stock limits in late May under the Essential Commodities Act.
Wholesale traders are now allowed to hold a maximum of 3,000 MT, while retailers are restricted to 10 MT. For large chain retailers, the limit is set at 10 MT per outlet, with a cumulative cap across all outlets. Additionally, processors can stock up to 70% of their monthly installed capacity.
Meanwhile, Bihar has introduced a revamped digital procurement system, promising payments to farmers within 48 hours, a move aimed at improving transparency and efficiency.
Uttar Pradesh has also made strides, having procured nearly 0.926 MT of wheat from over 173,000 farmers, disbursing ₹2,045 crore in payments, an improvement over last year’s 0.688 MT.
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