The procurement of wheat during the Rabi marketing season (RMS) 2024-25 is progressing seamlessly in the major procuring states across India. As of now, 262.48 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat have been procured for the Central Pool, exceeding the previous year's total procurement of 262.02 LMT, according to the Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Ministry.

This season has brought significant benefits to farmers, with 22.31 lakh farmers receiving a total minimum support price (MSP) outflow of Rs. 59,715 crores. The major contributions to the procurement have come from five key states: Punjab (124.26 LMT), Haryana (71.49 LMT), Madhya Pradesh (47.78 LMT), Rajasthan (9.66 LMT), and Uttar Pradesh (9.07 LMT).

Simultaneously, rice procurement is also progressing well. So far, 728.42 LMT of paddy, equivalent to 489.15 LMT of rice, has been procured directly from 98.26 lakh farmers during the Kharif marketing season (KMS) 2023-24. This has resulted in a total MSP outflow of approximately Rs. 1,60,472 crores.

The substantial procurement has led to a combined stock of over 600 LMT of wheat and rice in the Central Pool. This ample stock ensures that the country is well-positioned to meet its food grain requirements under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes, as well as for market interventions.

For the current season, the Centre has announced an MSP of Rs. 2275 per quintal for wheat, marking an increase of Rs. 150 from the previous year's figure. Additionally, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have introduced a bonus of Rs. 125 per quintal to further encourage wheat purchases in their states.

The successful procurement and increased MSP highlight the government's ongoing commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring food security in the country. With these efforts, the nation is poised to maintain a stable supply of essential food grains, benefiting both the agricultural sector and the broader population.

Source: Krishi Jagran