Overview
- India’s Food Secretary said Friday the 2025–26 wheat harvest now looks 110–120 million tonnes after unseasonal rain and hail cut yields across key states.
- The Centre raised its Rabi-season procurement goal to 34.5 million tonnes and has bought 16.4 million tonnes so far.
- More farmers are choosing government buying because market prices sit below the minimum support price, with the all-India mandi average at Rs 2,572 per quintal versus an MSP of Rs 2,585.
- Procurement targets were increased for Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Uttarakhand, and grain quality norms were relaxed in four of those states to speed purchases.
- Exports of 5 million tonnes of wheat and 1 million tonnes of wheat products are allowed in phases, yet shipments remain slow because Indian prices are not matching global offers.