New Delhi. Arrivals of new wheat are steadily increasing in the mandis of major producing states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, where government procurement has already begun. As a result, prices are showing normal fluctuations. While some mandis are witnessing a weak trend, others are seeing occasional firmness in prices.

During the week of March 21–27, wheat prices in Delhi increased by ₹5 to ₹2600–2640 per quintal. In Dabra, prices rose by ₹75 to ₹2200–2350 per quintal, and in Jalna they increased by ₹50 to ₹2175–2350 per quintal. On the other hand, prices declined in several markets. In Indore, wheat prices fell by ₹50 to ₹2200–3100 per quintal, in Itarsi they dropped by ₹120 to ₹2200–2280 per quintal, in Gorakhpur they declined by ₹100 to ₹2350 per quintal, and in Mainpuri they fell by ₹40 to ₹2260 per quintal.

These figures indicate that in most mandis wheat prices have fallen below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which has been fixed at ₹2585 per quintal this season. Despite some localized crop damage caused by natural factors, a bumper domestic wheat production is expected in the current rabi season. Meanwhile, the government has set a procurement target of only 30.3 million tonnes.

Government procurement of wheat in Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar is scheduled to begin from April 1. At the same time, the industry and trade sectors are also attempting to purchase wheat, as prices have declined to relatively lower levels.