Current Wheat Procurement Reaches an Impressive 252 LMT, Higher Than the Last Season

In a remarkable achievement, the procurement of wheat during the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2022-23 has reached an impressive 252 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), surpassing last year's total of 188 LMT. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution announced that the procurement operations, led by the Food Corporation of India and other state agencies, are proceeding smoothly across all procuring states in the country.

The states of Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have made significant contributions to the overall procurement, with 118.68 LMT, 62.18 LMT, and 66.50 LMT of wheat procured, respectively. Their proactive involvement has played a crucial role in achieving this year's substantial increase in procurement.

More than 20 lakh farmers have already reaped the benefits of this ongoing wheat procurement drive, with over Rs 47,000 crore being directly credited to their bank accounts as payment at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The procurement process is still underway, with a daily average of over 2 LMT of wheat being acquired.

To ensure better outreach and accessibility, the government has allowed all states to establish procurement centres at the village and panchayat levels. In addition to the existing designated procurement centres, cooperative societies, gram panchayats, and Arhatias can also participate in the procurement process. This expansion of procurement avenues will enhance farmers' access to the market and facilitate a smoother transaction process.

One of the key factors behind this impressive progress is the government's decision to relax the quality specifications for procured wheat. This relaxation was prompted by untimely rains that resulted in a loss of lustre in the crops. By extending this relief measure, the government aims to alleviate the hardships faced by farmers and prevent distress sales.

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Simultaneously, rice procurement is also progressing steadily. As of May 5, 2023, a substantial quantity of 366 LMT of rice has been procured during the Kharif crop of the KMS 2022-23, with an additional 140 LMT yet to be acquired. Furthermore, an estimated 106 LMT of rice is projected to be procured during the rabi crop of the KMS 2022-23.

The government's efforts to support farmers through robust procurement mechanisms and relaxed quality specifications have been instrumental in empowering agricultural communities across the country. The significant increase in wheat procurement is a testament to the effective implementation of these measures.

With the continued progress in wheat and rice procurement, the government remains committed to ensuring fair prices for farmers, reducing distress sales, and strengthening the agricultural sector's resilience.

Source-ANI

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