New Delhi, April 21
In a relief for Delhi farmers, the Centre has accepted Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's request to restart government wheat procurement in the capital through the Food Corporation of India, an exercise that was discontinued in 2021-22, an official said on Tuesday.
The decision is expected to ensure that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce while strengthening the local agricultural ecosystem, the official said.
The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for the move, saying it reflects a firm commitment to farmers' welfare and income security.
"This is an important step in prioritising farmers' interests. With coordinated efforts between the Centre and the Delhi government, farmers in the capital will be able to secure fair value for their produce and become more economically empowered," she said.
"The Delhi government is equally committed to safeguarding farmers' interests and ensuring stable incomes. This initiative is a concrete and impactful step in that direction," she said.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, wheat procurement at MSP by the FCI is being resumed in Delhi after 2021-22. The capital has around 29,000 hectares under cultivation and produces nearly 80,000 metric tonnes of wheat annually, exceeding local consumption and leaving a marketable surplus.
The development follows a recent letter by the Chief Minister to Union Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi, seeking the immediate resumption of wheat procurement in Delhi during the ongoing rabi marketing season.
In her letter, Gupta had flagged the absence of local procurement, which was forcing farmers to sell their produce below the MSP, adversely impacting their incomes.
Acting on the request, the Centre has directed the FCI to begin procurement operations in Delhi for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season.
The procurement will commence from April 24 at two key locations, the FCI depot in Narela and the Najafgarh mandi, enabling farmers to sell their produce closer to home, said the statement.
The availability of local centres will significantly reduce the need to transport produce to other states, cutting logistics and handling costs, she said.
She added that locally procured wheat can be seamlessly integrated into the Public Distribution System (PDS), thereby strengthening the food security framework. At the same time, curbing unnecessary outward movement of grain will help maintain balance in local markets and improve supply chain efficiency.
- IANS
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