Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Government Clarifies Position on Wheat Procurement, Lifting and Evacuation in Punjab During RMS 2026-27
Posted On:
07 MAY 2026 8:15PM by PIB Delhi
In response to the news article titled “Min blames Central govt for ‘glut-like’ situation in mandis” published in The Times of India on 07.05.2026. Government Clarifies its Position with the following factual positions.
- Lower Wheat Arrivals Compared to Last Year
Total wheat arrivals in Punjab as on 06.05.2026 stand at approximately 122 LMT, as against 125 LMT during the corresponding period of 2025. Thus, arrivals during the current RMS are lower by around 3 LMT compared to last year.
- Higher Progressive Lifting Than Last Year
Progressive lifting of wheat from mandis as on 06.05.2026 stands at 78.96 LMT, which is significantly higher than 75.63 LMT achieved during the corresponding period last year. The higher evacuation and lifting despite lower arrivals, clearly demonstrate that the movement of wheat from mandis during the current season is better leading to less glut compared to last year.
- Enhanced Direct Delivery Planning
Direct delivery operations from mandis have been planned extensively during the current season. During April 2026, approximately 3.5 LMT wheat was moved through direct delivery mechanism. Further, direct delivery of around 6.6 LMT has already been planned for May 2026 and an additional 8 LMT is expected during June 2026. Accordingly, a total direct delivery of nearly 18 LMT is planned from mandis during the current RMS, as requested by state authorities. This reflects the continuous and coordinated efforts being undertaken for speedy evacuation and decongestion of mandis.
- Maximum Allocation of Wheat Specials to Punjab
During April 2026, out of total 413 wheat specials placed for All India movement, 234 specials were allotted to Punjab alone. Similarly, during May 2026, out of total available 354 wheat specials, 201 wheat specials have been allotted to Punjab, which constitutes nearly 60% of the total wheat movement planned across the country. The average movement of wheat from Punjab during 25-26 is 60% of all India movement and the same level of movement shall continue in this year also. Further, the Ministry and FCI is closely monitoring the ground situation in Punjab, and to further ease the glut from Mandis, 100 (3 LMT) additional specials being allocated to Punjab during May 2026 for UP and Southern States.
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IA/ ARC
(Release ID: 2258861)
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