Private Traders Active in Wheat Procurement in Punjab

14-Apr-2025 03:13 PM

Ludhiana: In Punjab, where wheat arrivals have just begun, private traders and millers have become increasingly active in procurement, offering higher prices than the government's Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2425 per quintal. This has led to farmers preferring private buyers over government agencies.

In Sangrur, nearly 90% of wheat arrivals were purchased by private traders, who are paying ₹5–10 more per quintal than MSP.

In some regions like Abohar (Fazilka), offers have gone as high as ₹2600 per quintal, attracting even more farmers.

The rise in private procurement follows the removal of storage limits on wheat, giving traders freedom to buy in large quantities.

While government agencies remain the primary buyers, their share could face pressure this season due to increased competition from the private sector.