Wheat procurement surpasses last year's level of 34.1 MT despite hurdles

The government's wheat procurement in the 2020-21 marketing year has surpassed last year's 34.13 million tonnes, surmounting all impediments in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Wheat procurement target has been set at 40.7 million tonnes (MT) for the 2020-21 marketing year. Although the wheat marketing year runs from April-March, the bulk of procurement is normally done in the first three months. State-run Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies undertake purchase of wheat at the minimum support price.

In a statement, the food ministry said the overall wheat procurement has touched 34.15 MT as on May 24 in