Wheat sale under OMSS likely to start from August
03-Jul-2025 11:03 AM
New Delhi. The industry trade sector believes that the central government may begin selling wheat under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) from August, and the scheme could continue until 31 March 2026. Around 60–70 lakh tonnes of wheat is expected to be offered for sale under OMSS.
A high-powered inter-ministerial panel headed by the Union Expenditure Secretary has reportedly approved a minimum reserve price of Rs 2550 per quintal for OMSS wheat, excluding transportation costs. This reserve price is significantly higher than last year's rate.
The panel stated that the quantity of wheat to be sold and the sale duration will be decided by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in consultation with the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Before finalizing the sale quantity, FCI must set aside stock required for the Public Distribution System (PDS), minimum buffer norms, and an additional import buffer of 20 lakh tonnes. Only the surplus stock will be sold under OMSS.
It is estimated that around 200 lakh tonnes of wheat is required annually for PDS. Additionally, 75 lakh tonnes must be maintained in the central pool as of April 1 each year, along with a 20 lakh tonne import buffer. This means FCI needs to retain a total of 295 lakh tonnes of wheat before allocating any stock for OMSS.
During the current procurement season, over 301 lakh tonnes of wheat have been acquired for the central pool—significantly higher than the 266 lakh tonnes purchased last year.
As a result, wheat stocks in government warehouses stood at more than 365 lakh tonnes as of July 1, 2025, including carryover stocks. Therefore, FCI will have between 45–70 lakh tonnes available for OMSS sale.
Last year, only 30 lakh tonnes of wheat were sold through OMSS. With a 35 lakh tonne increase in procurement this year, the government is in a position to offer 60 lakh tonnes for sale.
This move is expected to ensure an adequate wheat supply to flour millers and processors during the festive season, reducing the pressure on procurement and availability between November and March.