Uttarakhand Boosts Wheat Procurement Target Amidst Farmer Resentment

Following requests from Uttarakhand's government, the Centre has increased the wheat procurement target from 10,000 quintals to 5 lakh quintals for the 2026-27 Rabi season. The decision aims to protect farmers after dissatisfaction with previous targets. 5,852 quintals have already been purchased since April 1 at Rs 2,585 per quintal.

In response to appeals from the state government, the Centre has significantly revised its wheat procurement target in Uttarakhand, escalating it from a modest 10,000 quintals to a substantial 5 lakh quintals for the 2026-27 Rabi marketing season. This revision aims to safeguard farmer interests following discontent about earlier lower targets.

According to Uttarakhand Food and Civil Supplies Secretary Anand Swarup, 5,852 quintals of wheat have been directly procured from local farmers as of April 1. Farmers are encouraged to utilize government purchasing centers to secure the Minimum Support Price (MSP) benefits.

The procurement, conducted by the Food Corporation of India and state agencies, offers farmers Rs 2,585 per quintal for their wheat. So far, 1,597 farmers have registered on the Smart PDS portal, while the state manages 168 purchase centers across Garhwal and Kumaon divisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)