After the procurement drive concludes, the Centre will review the restoration of wheat entitlements under the Public Distribution System (PDS). 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 Food Secretary said the government will not fully restore the wheat supply under the PDS due to the bumper harvest. In 2022, the government reduced wheat supply through PDS, substituting it with rice. Partial restoration began in October 2024, with an additional allocation of 35 lakh tonnes until March 2025.
As of April 30, the government procured 256.31 lakh tonnes of wheat, 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 Food Secretary said it is premature to discuss lifting the export ban on wheat.
