Food Minister reviews wheat procurement plans with 5 regions for 2025-26 season
Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday held a virtual meeting with the food ministers of the five major wheat producing districts to review the readiness for procurement of the food grain for the Rabi Marketing Season of 2025-26.
The meeting, which was attended by ministers from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Rajasthan, focused on strengthening procurement mechanisms to ensure greater contribution to the central pool.
“These five regions have huge wheat procurement potential and are important for ensuring national food security and price control measures,” Joshi said during the meeting.
The minister outlined several important points to be taken, including setting regional targets, expanding procurement centers in remote areas, ensuring timely MSP (Minimum Support Price) payments to farmers, and maintaining stock quality standards.
States have been urged to procure at least the required amount under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to cover transportation costs and maintain adequate central stocks.
The state’s food ministers confirmed their commitment to implement the suggested measures to improve the procurement of wheat for the coming season.
The meeting was also attended by the Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the state food secretaries, and the CMD of the Food Corporation of India.
The sowing of wheat is nearing the end and the harvest will begin in April.
