The Centre plans to review the restoration of wheat entitlements under the Public Distribution System (PDS) after the procurement drive concludes. The agriculture ministry has projected a record wheat production of 115 million tonnes for the 2024-25 crop year, with the Food Ministry aiming to procure 31.2 million tonnes.
The government has procured 256.31 lakh tonnes of wheat as of April 30, up 24.78% from 205.41 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period last year. The government has set a target of 312 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 rabi marketing season. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) covers 80 crore people, with each beneficiary entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains monthly.
Punjab leads procurement with 103.89 lakh tonnes, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The procurement drive has benefited 21.03 lakh farmers with MSP payments totaling Rs 62,155.96 crore.
