Centre asks states to boost wheat procurement for 2025-26 rabi season

New Delhi: Union minister of shopper affairs, meals and public distribution Pralhad Joshi has referred to as upon states to extend wheat procurement for the 2025-26 rabi advertising season, emphasising the vital function they play in contributing to the central pool of the foodgrain.

This contribution is important for sustaining meals safety and guaranteeing the graceful operation of the general public distribution system (PDS) throughout India.

Joshi requested the states whereas chairing a digital assembly with the meals ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to overview preparations for wheat procurement for the upcoming rabi advertising season, in response to assertion launched by the ministry.

Uttar Pradesh is the highest wheat-producing state in India, accounting for round 31.77% of the nation’s whole wheat manufacturing, adopted by Madhya Pradesh, which contributes about 20.98%. Bihar contributes round 8%, Rajasthan accounts for 9.36%, and Gujarat contributes about 7.12% of the nation’s whole wheat manufacturing.

India produced 107.74 million tonnes of wheat in FY22, which rose to 110.55 million tonnes in FY23, and additional to 113.29 million tonnes in FY24, reflecting a gradual development trajectory.

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Joshi confused that the 5 states, identified for his or her agricultural power, maintain vital potential for wheat procurement and might play a pivotal function in strengthening the central stockpile.

That is significantly vital not just for meals safety but additionally for controlling inflation, particularly in instances of market disruptions. By rising procurement, the states will assist keep away from value volatility and make sure the availability of wheat for packages just like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which gives sponsored foodgrains to the weak sections of society.

Streamlining wheat provide for PMGKAY

Beneath PMGKAY, greater than 81 crore beneficiaries obtain free foodgrains, together with wheat, to help them. Every beneficiary is entitled to five kg of wheat per thirty days. That is along with the common allocation beneath the Nationwide Meals Safety Act (NFSA). The scheme, which is legitimate till December 2028, goals to offer free foodgrains to economically-vulnerable people, guaranteeing meals safety for these in want.

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Through the discussions, Joshi highlighted a number of key areas that want consideration, akin to the necessity to repair district-wise procurement targets primarily based on potential, and to open further procurement centres in distant areas. He additionally emphasised that guaranteeing well timed cost of minimal help value (MSP) to farmers is essential, as delays can discourage them from promoting their produce by way of official channels.

The assembly additionally touched upon the significance of sustaining the standard of procured wheat, addressing points associated to the inter-state motion of shares, and guaranteeing adequately educated workforce at mandis. Joshi inspired states to actively interact native panchayats, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and cooperative societies to reinforce procurement effectivity and reduce delays, the ministry stated within the assertion.

States had been additionally urged to intention for procurement ranges at the least equal to the wheat requirement for PMGKAY, to cut back transportation prices and ease the logistical burden on the central authorities. This is not going to solely streamline procurement processes but additionally guarantee a gradual provide of wheat within the central pool, particularly in periods of excessive demand.

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The meals ministers of the 5 states expressed their dedication to following the steerage mentioned within the assembly, and to enhancing their efforts in direction of attaining the wheat procurement targets for RMS 2025-26.