In a positive development for Delhi farmers, the government has agreed to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s request to resume wheat procurement through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the capital. This move, which was halted in 2021-22, aims to ensure that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops, thereby bolstering the local agricultural sector.
Chief Minister Gupta expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for reinstating the procurement process, emphasizing their dedication to farmers’ welfare and financial security. This decision is seen as a significant stride in prioritizing the interests of farmers and fostering economic empowerment within the agricultural community in Delhi.
The resumption of wheat procurement by the FCI in Delhi, as per the Chief Minister’s Office, comes after a hiatus since 2021-22. With approximately 29,000 hectares of cultivated land in the capital producing nearly 80,000 metric tonnes of wheat annually, surpassing local demand and resulting in surplus, this initiative is poised to benefit local farmers significantly.
The recent communication from Chief Minister Gupta to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, urging the immediate restart of wheat procurement during the ongoing rabi marketing season, has led to the directive for FCI to initiate procurement operations in Delhi for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season. Commencing from April 24 at strategic locations like the FCI depot in Narela and the Najafgarh mandi, this move will enable farmers to sell their produce locally, reducing logistical expenses and enhancing efficiency.
