New Delhi: Despite the suspension of weekly e-auctions of wheat under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), no significant increase was observed in the prices of this important food grain. During the week of December 6-12, wholesale wheat prices showed some improvement in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, but remained soft in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Prices remained stable in other states, including Gujarat.

During the week under review, the price of wheat in Delhi improved by Rs. 20 to Rs. 2780/2800 per quintal. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, wheat prices improved by Rs. 20 to Rs. 60 per quintal in markets like Gorakhpur, Gonda, Mainpuri, and Etah. On the other hand, wheat prices declined by Rs. 10 to Rs. 75 per quintal in Dabra, Ujjain, and Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh, Bundi in Rajasthan, and Jalna in Maharashtra. However, in Kota, Rajasthan, the price improved by Rs. 10 to Rs. 2450/2570 per quintal.

During the week under review, daily arrivals of wheat in Delhi were 5,000-6,000 bags, with some trading taking place. Wheat arrivals were negligible in some markets of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. In most markets across the country, the price of this important food grain has fallen to around the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and in some places even below it, which has significantly reduced the interest of millers and processors in buying government wheat at higher prices.

The sowing area for wheat, the most important food grain of the Rabi season, is showing a significant increase this year, and production is also expected to rise. The support price for wheat has been increased by Rs. 160 to Rs. 2585 per quintal, which has greatly encouraged farmers.