Centre approves resumption of wheat procurement

The Centre has approved the resumption of wheat procurement in Delhi through the Food Corporation of India, following a request from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The move, which comes after a break since the 2021-22 season, is expected to ensure farmers receive the Minimum Support Price and reduce their dependence on markets outside the capital.

Procurement for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season will begin on April 24 at two locations, the FCI depot in Narela and the Najafgarh mandi. Officials said the decision will allow farmers to sell their produce closer to home and avoid additional transport costs. The Chief Minister welcomed the Centre’s decision and said it reflects a strong commitment to farmer welfare and income security.

She said the absence of local procurement had forced farmers to sell their crops below the support price in recent years, affecting their earnings. “The restart of procurement is a major step in protecting farmers’ interests. It will ensure they get fair value for their produce and reduce financial pressure,” she said.

The Chief Minister had recently written to the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, seeking urgent intervention to restart wheat procurement in Delhi during the ongoing season. In her letter, she highlighted that farmers were being pushed to sell their produce outside Delhi or at lower rates due to the lack of procurement facilities within the city.

Following the request, the Centre directed the Food Corporation of India to resume operations in the capital. Officials said this will help stabilise local markets and improve supply chain efficiency. According to the Delhi government, local procurement will bring several benefits. It will reduce the need for farmers to transport their produce to neighbouring states, cutting logistics and handling costs. It will also help integrate locally procured wheat into the public distribution system, thereby strengthening food security in the capital.

The Chief Minister said limiting the outward movement of grain will also help maintain balance in local supply and demand. She added that the initiative aligns with the broader national focus on ensuring stable and fair incomes for farmers.

Delhi has around 29,000 hectares under cultivation and produces nearly 80,000 metric tonnes of wheat annually. Officials said this production exceeds local consumption, creating a surplus that can be procured under the government system.

The resumption of procurement is expected to benefit around 21,000 farmers in the capital. Authorities said arrangements are being made to ensure smooth operations at procurement centres.

Procurement for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season will begin on April 24 at two locations, the FCI depot in Narela and the Najafgarh mandi