Relaxation in Wheat Procurement Quality Standards Extended to Punjab

20-Apr-2026 11:40 AM

New Delhi: Following similar measures in Rajasthan and Haryana, the Central Government has now decided to grant relaxations in quality standards for wheat procurement in Punjab, as well as in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The wheat crop in these regions was adversely affected by heavy unseasonal rains—accompanied by storms and, in some places, hailstorms—that occurred during the last week of March and the first week of April.

State-level agencies had initially refused to procure wheat that was discolored, lusterless, or contained shriveled/broken grains, stating that procurement would not be possible until the Centre announced a relaxation in the quality-related norms and conditions.

Subsequently, the Punjab government formally requested the Centre to intervene in the matter. A central team visited Punjab and subsequently submitted its report to the Ministry of Food. Based on this report, the Ministry of Food decided to grant relaxations in quality standards for wheat procurement in both Punjab and Chandigarh.

It is noteworthy that Punjab is the leading contributor of wheat to the Central Pool. Prior to the announcement regarding the relaxation of quality standards, the pace of government wheat procurement in the state had been very slow; however, it is now expected to accelerate. With these relaxed standards in place, government procurement of wheat can now be ensured across all districts in Punjab that were affected by the unseasonal rains.

According to the Union Food Minister, this decision by the government will alleviate the hardships faced by wheat growers in Punjab, ensuring they are not compelled to sell their produce at distress prices.

Much like in Haryana and Rajasthan, wheat containing up to 70 percent lusterless grains and up to 15 percent shriveled or broken grains will now be procured in Punjab as well.