India to fulfill wheat procurement plan for first time in 3 years

India is on track to meet its 31.2 mln tonne wheat procurement target for the 2025-26 Rabi season (April-June), according to Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra. Driven by a record projected wheat output of 115.3 mln tonnes in the 2024-25 crop year (July-June), up 2% from last year, and prompt minimum support price (MSP) payments, 25.63 mln tonnes have already been procured, a 24% increase over the previous year. Expanded sown areas, reaching 32 mln ha compared to 31.56 mln ha last year, further bolster optimistic prospects.

Five states have led the wheat procurement effort: Punjab (10.38 mln tonnes), Haryana (6.56 mln tonnes), Madhya Pradesh (6.7 mln tonnes), Rajasthan (1.14 mln tonnes), and Uttar Pradesh (0.75 mln tonnes). A total of 2.1 mln farmers have received MSP payments worth 62,155 crore rupees, with funds typically transferred within 24–48 hours. Chopra noted that most states are performing strongly, raising hopes of meeting or exceeding the 31.2 mln tonne target.

After three years of falling short of procurement goals, this season could mark the first time India achieves its target. Previous seasons saw procurements of 26.6 mln tonnes in 2024-25 and 26.2 mln tonnes in 2023-24, with a record low of 18.8 mln tonnes in 2022-23 due to lower yields. A peak of 43.3 mln tonnes was achieved in 2021-22. The Food Ministry projects that procurements will significantly surpass last year’s figures by the season’s end.

To boost exports of geographical indication (GI)-tagged and premium rice varieties, the government introduced six new ITC-HS codes for parboiled rice, basmati, and other varieties. This ensures these unique varieties remain unaffected by potential export bans on broken or white rice. However, Chopra stated it is premature to discuss lifting the 2022 wheat export ban.

Robust production and efficient procurement strengthen India’s domestic food security. Meeting the procurement target is expected to ensure stable wheat stocks for the central pool, while new rice export codes will enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets, particularly for distinctive rice varieties.

Tags: India, wheat