The Indian government’s wheat procurement has surpassed the revised target of 35.54 million tonnes (mt), reaching 35.76 mt as of June 21, according to The Hindu Business Line. This marks a 19% increase from 29.95 mt procured during the corresponding period last year. The procurement target was revised twice—initially from 30.3 mt to 34.5 mt in late April, and again in June after states sought extensions amid farmer demand.
Procurement Details and Targets
The government’s revised target of 35.54 mt was driven by an estimated record wheat production of 120.66 mt, based on the third advance estimates of the Agriculture Ministry. That estimate is 2.3% higher than the 117.94 mt produced in 2024-25. In the 2025 season, the government had procured 30 mt of wheat. The current procurement includes 24.25 mt (nearly 68%) under relaxed quality specifications, reflecting quality challenges in several regions.
State-wise procurement comparisons (2026-27 vs 2025-26) show notable increases:
| State | Procurement 2026-27 (mt) | Procurement 2025-26 (mt) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | 2.71 | 2.11 | +28.4% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 2.16 | 1.03 | +109.7% |
| Bihar | 0.0404 | 0.0181 | +123.2% |
| Punjab | 12.16 | 11.92 | +2.0% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 10.44 | 7.77 | +34.4% |
| Haryana | 8.12 | 7.08 | +14.7% |
Quality and Stock Levels
The high proportion of relaxed-quality wheat (68%) is linked to unseasonal rains and hailstorms, especially in Punjab, where nearly the entire quantity was procured under relaxed norms due to widespread lustre loss. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) maintains the Central Pool stock, which stood at 53.41 mt as of June 1, far above the buffer norm of 27.5 mt (as of July 1). This is the highest central stock since 2021, when it exceeded 60 mt.
Regional Highlights
- Rajasthan set a record with procurement of 2.71 mt, surpassing the previous record of 2.34 mt in 2021-22. The state’s former chief minister Ashok Gehlot has sought an extension of the procurement period, which ended June 19, until June 30. The Centre has indicated no objection if the state extends the period.
- Uttar Pradesh more than doubled its procurement to 2.16 mt from 1.03 mt last year, after the Centre raised its target from 1 mt to 2.5 mt.
- Bihar also more than doubled procurement to 40,364 tonnes from 18,087 tonnes last year, with the target raised from 18,000 tonnes to 0.18 mt.
- Punjab saw a modest increase to 12.16 mt (target 12.2 mt), with almost the entire quantity under relaxed quality due to unseasonal rains.
- Madhya Pradesh recorded a 34% jump to 10.44 mt against 7.77 mt last year. The target was revised from 7.8 mt to over 10 mt after the state’s request. A delayed start due to inadequate gunny bags and purchase centres initially made the target seem impossible, but consistent pressure from opposition and farmer organisations helped exceed it.
- Haryana procurement reached 8.12 mt, exceeding the target of 7.2 mt, compared to 7.08 mt in 2025-26. The purchase ended May 15 after an early start.
Production and Outlook
The Agriculture Ministry’s third advance estimate projects a record wheat output of 120.66 mt for 2025-26, up 2.3% from 117.94 mt in 2024-25. With central stocks at multi-year highs, the government’s ability to manage food security and market prices remains robust. The continued relaxation of quality norms highlights the impact of adverse weather on crop quality, even as overall production exceeds expectations. For commodity analysts and traders, the record procurement suggests ample supply for government programs, potentially easing upward pressure on domestic wheat prices.
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