Centre Eases Wheat Procurement Rules for Punjab Amid Rain-Related Crop Damage
Centre Relaxes Wheat Procurement Norms for Punjab Amidst Recent Rains
The Centre has relaxed wheat procurement norms for Punjab in the current rabi marketing season to counter the damage caused by recent untimely rains in the state. The request for relaxation in wheat procurement due to untimely rainfall was received from the state on April 9, 2026. Promptly thereafter, teams were deputed on April 10, 2026 to assess the situation across all districts.
Based on field inputs, the Centre has approved relaxations for wheat procurement under the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026-27 in all districts of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The relaxations will be applicable from the commencement of RMS 2026-27. The decision is expected to help reduce hardship for farmers and prevent any distress sale of wheat.
Wheat Procurement Relaxations in Punjab
Read also: Treasury Yields Experience Largest Increase in Two Weeks Following Release of Labor Market Data
| State | Limit of Lustre Loss | Limit of Shrivelled and Broken Grains |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Up to 70% | Up to 15% |
| Haryana | Up to 70% | Up to 6% (existing limit) |
| Chandigarh | Up to 70% | Up to 15% |
The Punjab government has welcomed the Centre's decision, with Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak stating that it was a result of persistent efforts by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The relaxations are seen as a major relief for farmers in the state.
Punjab's Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Kataruchak has directed the District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) and senior officers to ensure a successful and hassle-free procurement season for all stakeholders. The minister has also directed the officials to ensure that payments for the procured crops are credited into the accounts of the farmers within 48 hours, and that lifting should be ensured within 72 hours of the produce being procured.
The opposition parties, SAD and Congress, had earlier slammed the AAP government for failing to secure relaxation in specifications for moisture content in wheat procurement from the Centre. However, the Centre's decision is expected to alleviate some of the concerns of farmers in the state.
Read also: US-Iran Tensions Spark Uptick in Oil Prices Amid Global Market Decline
More in Economy
Treasury Yields Experience Largest Increase in Two Weeks Following Release of Labor Market Data
US-Iran Tensions Spark Uptick in Oil Prices Amid Global Market Decline
MoSPI Releases Uniform Norms for DDP Estimates with 2022-23 Base Year
