Punjab is set to produce 132 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, with procurement scheduled to start on April 1. A Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting, including key officials like Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, discussed the upcoming wheat procurement for 2026-27. The GoM reviewed procurement arrangements at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,585 per quintal.
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been moving five LMT wheat and rice each month since August 2025 to create sufficient storage space. The GoM was informed that a minimum movement of 15 LMT of wheat per month is necessary. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been in talks with the Union government regarding the transportation of foodgrains.
To ensure safe storage of wheat, plans are underway to construct plinths and utilize empty spaces in rice mills. Regular reviews of procurement arrangements are being conducted with district administrations. Orders have been placed for 391,320 plastic crates, with a significant portion already received, along with 675,000 wooden crates and necessary LPED covers for wheat storage.
The GoM was briefed on the demand from commission agents to increase their commission rates from Rs 45 to Rs 64 per quintal. The state government has raised this issue with the Union government for consideration.
