News Capsule: Centre relaxes wheat procurement norms for Punjab (RMS 2026–27)
18-Apr-2026 11:28 AM
News Capsule: Centre relaxes wheat procurement norms for Punjab (RMS 2026–27)
★ After unseasonal rains damaged crop quality, the Central government has provided relief to Punjab farmers by easing the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) norms for wheat procurement. The move is expected to revive stalled procurement in mandis.
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What has changed
★ The Food Corporation of India (FCI) will now procure lower-quality wheat in Punjab at MSP:
★ Lustre loss: Accepted up to 70%
★ Shrivelled grains: Up to 15% allowed (earlier 6%)
★ Damaged and slightly damaged grains: Up to 6% permitted
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No MSP deduction
★ The government has clarified that wheat procured under these relaxed norms will still be purchased at the full MSP of ₹2,585 per quintal, with no price cut for farmers.
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State government’s responsibility
★ Wheat procured under relaxed norms will be stored separately
★ Any deterioration during storage will be the responsibility of the Punjab government
★ Such stocks will be liquidated early, and any financial loss will be borne by the state
Background
★ Recent rains in Punjab and Chandigarh affected wheat quality, forcing procurement agencies to halt purchases in many mandis. Large quantities of wheat were lying unsold, leading to farmer unrest and protest calls.
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Sharp fall in procurement
★ Due to quality issues, wheat procurement fell by about 69% in the first fortnight of April 2026 compared to last year. The relaxation aims to accelerate procurement and ensure adequate stocks for the central pool.
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Relief extended to other states
★ Similar relaxations have already been granted in Haryana and Rajasthan, where crops were also impacted by adverse weather.
★ The decision offers immediate relief to farmers and will help clear mandi arrivals. However, in the long term, managing lower-quality stocks and the associated financial burden will remain a challenge for the state government.