Punjab Gears Up for Wheat Procurement, Urges Centre to Lift Old Stock Immediately

March 27, 2026

The Punjab government has intensified preparations for the upcoming wheat procurement season and has urged the central government to expedite the lifting of existing wheat stock. Officials warn that any delay in clearing old stock could disrupt the smooth procurement of the new crop, which is expected to arrive in mandis soon.

Wheat Arrival Estimated at 12.5 Million Metric Tonnes

According to state estimates, Punjab is likely to witness the arrival of around 12.5 million metric tonnes (125 lakh metric tonnes) of wheat this season. Given the scale of procurement, authorities are focusing on ensuring adequate arrangements for handling, storage, and transportation of the crop.

Storage Capacity Falls Short, Direct Delivery to FCI Proposed

Punjab currently has a storage capacity of about 10 million metric tonnes (100 lakh metric tonnes). With expected arrivals exceeding this capacity, there could be a shortfall of around 2.2 million metric tonnes (22 lakh metric tonnes). To address this gap, the state government has proposed that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) should directly take delivery of a portion of the wheat stock, reducing the burden on state storage infrastructure.

Focus on Smooth Procurement and Timely Payments to Farmers

Ensuring hassle-free procurement for farmers remains a key priority. The state government has emphasized that procurement operations must run smoothly and that farmers should receive timely payments for their produce. Efficient coordination between procurement agencies, transporters, and storage facilities is being stressed to avoid delays and logistical bottlenecks.