Wheat Crop Affected in 111 Districts Across 9 States Due to Storms and Rain
09-Apr-2026 11:54 AM
New Delhi. Since mid-March, weather conditions in the north-central and northwestern parts of the country had begun to turn adverse for Rabi crops, particularly wheat. Reports indicate that the wheat crop has suffered damage due to unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms accompanied by strong winds.
According to Navneet Chitalangia, President of the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India, wheat is cultivated and procured on a large scale in nine states across the country; these include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. Reports have been received indicating that the wheat crop has been adversely affected by storms and rain in approximately 111 districts across these nine states. In the most severely affected regions, wheat yields are likely to decline by 10 to 20 percent.
The Federation President notes that there are indications of a particularly adverse impact on the quality of the wheat grain this season. In certain areas, it is feared that 25 to 30 percent of the grains may become discolored or lose their luster, which could result in lower market prices for such produce. Consequently, demand for high-quality wheat is expected to remain robust.
The domestic industry and trade sector had initially projected a wheat production of 115 million tonnes (1150 lakh tonnes) for the 2025-26 Rabi season; however, this estimate is now likely to be revised downward to approximately 113 million tonnes (1130 lakh tonnes). Currently, wholesale market prices for wheat are hovering around ₹2,300–₹2,400 per quintal, and the industry and trade sector is actively procuring at these rates.
As far as wheat exports are concerned, shipments to Bangladesh appear commercially viable at the current price levels. If market prices were to drop to the range of ₹2,250–₹2,300 per quintal, exporting to other countries could also become feasible. A similar dynamic applies to wheat-based products as well.