Madhya Pradesh's wheat procurement process for the year 2025 is undergoing significant updates as the state government shifts the procurement dates to accommodate farmers' needs. Originally set to begin on March 1, 2025, the procurement of wheat will now start on March 15, 2025, according to recent announcements by state officials.
The procurement initiative will first be activated in the divisions of Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Narmadapuram. Following this, wheat will be collected from other divisional areas starting March 17, 2025. This change reflects the government’s responsiveness to farmers' requests and is intended to facilitate smoother operations during the harvesting period.
The Madhya Pradesh government has set the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat at ₹2,600 per quintal, which is significantly higher than the central government's announced support price of ₹2,425 per quintal for the Rabi marketing year 2025-26. Notably, the state will also provide farmers with ₹175 per quintal as additional bonus to encourage participation and support.
The decision to alter the procurement start date was driven by concerns over moisture levels in the wheat due to incomplete harvesting. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Govind Singh Rajput emphasized the importance of these adjustments to aid farmers during the harvesting process.
"Given the current circumstances with harvesting not being completed and the moisture content of wheat arriving at the markets, it has become necessary to push back the procurement dates," Rajput remarked.
The impact of these changes is expected to be substantial, with approximately 80 lakh tonnes of wheat anticipated for procurement this season. The payout for farmers, which combines the support price and the bonus, is projected to reach ₹19,400 crore for the support price along with ₹1,400 crore as bonuses.
Farmers interested in participating are being encouraged to register for the wheat procurement process before the deadline of March 31, 2025. Reports indicate over 2.91 lakh farmers have already completed their registrations, as they prepare for the upcoming procurement period.
The establishment of around 4,000 procurement centers across the state aims to streamline the process and make it accessible for farmers to sell their wheat efficiently.
With these developments, Madhya Pradesh aims to support its agricultural sector effectively, ensuring farmers get fair compensation for their produce and enhancing the overall agricultural sustainability of the region.
Farmers are advised to stay informed and complete their registration on time to avoid any inconveniences during the procurement season. This proactive approach from the government demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring food security.