Slow OMSS Sales and Record Central Pool Stocks Increase Pressure on Wheat Market; Upcoming Season Seen as Challenging
23-Feb-2026 03:15 PM
Slow OMSS Sales and Record Central Pool Stocks Increase Pressure on Wheat Market; Upcoming Season Seen as Challenging
★ Wheat sales under the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS-D) have dropped sharply in the current 2025-26 season, while central pool stocks remain at elevated levels. The combination of weak market intervention and abundant supply has raised fresh concerns about price stability and storage management in the coming months.
Season-wise OMSS Wheat Sales (Lakh Tonnes)
2019-20: 34.07
2020-21: 24.97
2021-22: 70.93
2022-23: 35.71
2023-24: 100.82 (record high)
2024-25: 39.41
2025-26 (up to Dec 25): 1.91
Jan–Feb 2026 (expected): 4.73
★ If no further tenders are issued, total OMSS sales in 2025-26 may reach only 6.64 lakh tonnes — one of the lowest levels in recent years.
★ As of February 10, 2026, wheat stocks in the central pool stood at 253.07 lakh tonnes, well above buffer norms. Rice stocks are also significantly higher than prescribed levels. Availability of wheat in states remains comfortable, and private players are also reported to be holding adequate stocks.
★ Wheat production for the current year is estimated at around 1170 lakh tonnes. If realized, this would mark the second consecutive year of high output.
★ With strong government stocks, ample private holdings, and a good crop expected, supply-side pressure may intensify. Under such conditions, wheat prices could slip below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
★ If market prices fall below MSP, the government may be compelled to undertake large-scale procurement, potentially leading to serious storage challenges in the upcoming season.
★ The wheat industry is already feeling the impact of policy uncertainty, fluctuating OMSS volumes, and heavy stock levels. With supply remaining abundant and intervention limited, the upcoming season is expected to be highly challenging.
★ IGrain India advises to avoid stocking and restrict purchases strictly to requirement-based buying, as price volatility and downward pressure may persist in the near term.
★ Overall, the combination of record stocks, strong production prospects, and subdued OMSS sales presents a dual challenge of storage management and price stabilization for the government in the coming season.
Important Disclaimer:
This report is for informational purposes only I-Grain India does not take any responsibility for profits or losses and does not promote any specific market movement (bullish or bearish). *Please make decisions based on your own judgment and understanding.