New Delhi: The Government of India has asked wheat-producing states and union territories with procurement closing dates expiring early to continue procurement till May 31, 2022. The Ministry of Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs has also directed the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to continue with wheat procurement under the central pool. The extended period is expected to benefit farmers. The decision comes in the wake of requests by state governments and UTs to continue the procurement process.
Meanwhile, the wheat procurement under the Central pool is progressing smoothly in Rabi Marketing Season 2022-23, in the states and UTs of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Gujarat, Bihar and Rajasthan.
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The wheat procurement under the Central pool has been less during the ensuing RMS 2022-23 corresponding to the previous RMS 2021-22, mainly due to the higher market prices than the minimum support price (MSP), wherein farmers have been selling wheat to private traders. The Central government had on May 13, decided to restrict wheat export to rein in high prices of wheat, except in case of an irrevocable letter of credit and requests from neighbouring and food-deficit countries.
Upto 14.05.2022, a quantity of 180 LMT (corresponding purchase of 367 LMT during RMS 2021-22) of wheat has been procured, benefiting about 16.83 lakh farmers with MSP value of Rs.36,208 crore.
