Agriculture – Madhya Pradesh Seeks Higher Wheat Procurement Limit From Centre
Agriculture – Madhya Pradesh has approached the Central government with a request to raise its wheat procurement target for the upcoming Rabi marketing season of 2026–27. The move comes as the state anticipates purchasing more wheat than its current limit of 7.8 million metric tonnes under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.
State flags higher production expectations
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed that the proposal has already been sent to the Centre. He noted that wheat output this season has been strong, and procurement volumes are likely to exceed the approved quota. The state government is maintaining regular communication with central authorities to ensure that farmers do not face any barriers in selling their produce under MSP.
The request reflects growing confidence within the state administration about agricultural output, driven by favorable conditions and improved participation from farmers. Officials believe that an upward revision in procurement limits will help prevent logistical bottlenecks and ensure timely purchases.
Procurement operations remain stable
Despite facing early challenges, including supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the state managed to maintain smooth procurement operations. Authorities ensured the availability of essential storage materials such as jute sacks, polypropylene bags, and recycled gunny bags.
Officials have stated that there is currently no shortage of packaging materials, allowing procurement centres to function without interruption. This preparedness has been key in maintaining efficiency during peak arrival periods at mandis.
Procurement timeline and pricing details
The procurement process began on April 9 in selected districts and was expanded statewide from April 15. Since then, the pace of wheat arrivals at procurement centres has steadily increased.
Farmers are being offered Rs 2,625 per quintal, which includes the MSP of Rs 2,585 along with a state-provided bonus of Rs 40 per quintal. This higher price has played a significant role in encouraging farmers to participate actively in the procurement system this season.
Rising farmer participation
Data released by state authorities shows a notable increase in farmer registrations. Around 1.904 million farmers have enrolled for MSP procurement this year, marking a rise of nearly 300,000 compared to the previous season.
So far, over 9.51 million quintals of wheat have been procured from more than 221,000 farmers across the state. The steady inflow of produce indicates strong engagement from cultivators and improved trust in the procurement framework.
Transportation and payments progress
Out of the total wheat procured, approximately 7.5 million quintals have already been transported to designated storage facilities. The state has also initiated timely payments to farmers, with more than Rs 1,091 crore disbursed to over 106,000 beneficiaries.
Authorities have emphasized that prompt payments remain a priority to ensure farmer satisfaction and continued participation in government procurement programs.
Slot bookings and infrastructure expansion
In addition to completed procurement, a large number of farmers have scheduled future sales. Around 624,000 farmers have booked slots to sell nearly 26.22 million quintals of wheat. Slot booking remains open until April 30, 2026, providing flexibility to farmers.
To handle the increased volume, the state has set up 3,171 procurement centres. The daily slot booking capacity at each centre has also been enhanced to 2,250 quintals, allowing for smoother operations and reduced waiting times.
Outlook for the season
With procurement volumes expected to surpass initial estimates, the state’s proposal to raise the MSP procurement limit is seen as a necessary step. If approved, it could help streamline operations and ensure that farmers are able to sell their entire produce without delays.
The coming weeks will be crucial as procurement continues at full pace and the Centre reviews the state’s request. For now, the strong response from farmers and efficient management at procurement centres indicate a positive trajectory for the ongoing season.