Despite hoping for better prices this season, rain dampens farmers' returns

Growers are staring at lower margins due to unexpected downpour during the March harvest. However, the FCI has come to their rescue

Brijwasi Meena, a farmer from Narayanpura village in Sheo­pur district of Madhya Pra­desh, had planned to sell the excellent quality of wheat that he produced on his 20-acre farm at a good price this year, since demand had remained strong throughout FY22-23.

But his hopes were dashed by two developments. First, the government chose to release more wheat from central stocks to cool food inflation. Then, sudden untimely rains lashed most wheat-growing areas in March.

“Whoever managed to harvest his wheat crop early and save it from the rains and hailstorm is getting a premium in the market because the