New Delhi. Unlike previous years, wholesale wheat prices are not seeing any significant increase or decrease during the peak festive season, even as sales of government stocks under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) are suspended. Wheat arrivals are steady in the markets, and millers, processors, traders, stockists, and major producers are also holding stocks.

The central pool itself is reported to have a stock of over 30 million tonnes of wheat. Storage limits are in place, and the government is closely monitoring the market.

Under these circumstances, there is no scope for a significant increase in wheat prices. During the week from September 27 to October 3, wheat prices in Delhi fell by Rs. 5 to Rs. 2810/2830 per quintal, while they remained stable at previous levels in Rajkot, Indore, Dewas, and Ujjain. In Rajasthan's markets, wheat prices saw a slight increase of 15-20 rupees per quintal in Kota and Bundi.

Wheat prices improved by 10-20 rupees in Shahjahanpur and Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, but prices remained stable or softened in other markets. Jalna market in Maharashtra also remained calm.

Delhi received 9,000 sacks of wheat each during the first three days of the week, which increased to 17,000 sacks on October 3. Traders and producers cleared their stocks in anticipation of higher prices, but this only increased price pressure. Other markets also received a good supply of wheat.

The time for sowing of this most important food grain of the Rabi season is near, while wholesale market prices are hovering just above the government support price. All attention is focused on the support price for the new season. Good wheat sowing is expected in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan because farmers receive bonuses there. There is a possibility of reduction in area in Uttar Pradesh.