Lucknow: In a significant relief to farmers affected by unseasonal rains, the government has announced that even damaged wheat will be procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) without any deduction. The decision is expected to benefit thousands of cultivators across Uttar Pradesh, where adverse weather conditions have impacted crop quality during the ongoing rabi marketing season 2026–27.
The move comes following directives from the Government of India and a request from the state administration to safeguard farmers’ incomes. With widespread reports of discoloured and shrivelled grains due to untimely rainfall, procurement norms have been relaxed to ensure that farmers do not suffer financial losses.
Relaxed Quality Norms for Procurement
Under the revised guidelines, up to 70 percent lustreless (discoloured) wheat and up to 20 percent shrivelled or broken grains will now be accepted at government procurement centres without any price cut. This marks a major departure from standard procurement rules, which typically impose strict quality benchmarks.
Officials say the relaxation will allow farmers to sell most of their produce at MSP, even if the crop has suffered visible damage. The decision is aimed at stabilising farm incomes and preventing distress sales in local markets at lower prices.
Purchase Extended to All Farmers
In another farmer-friendly step, authorities have clarified that even those farmers whose registration details are yet to be fully verified will not be denied procurement. Centre in-charges have been instructed to cross-check land and crop details using revenue and consolidation records and proceed with purchases accordingly.
This measure ensures that procedural delays do not hinder farmers from selling their produce during the peak procurement window.
Procurement to Continue Till June 15
The government has directed that wheat procurement will continue uninterrupted at all designated centres across the state until June 15. Farmers have been advised to obtain tokens from procurement centres in case of heavy rush and bring their produce on the allotted date to avoid inconvenience.
To address grievances and provide assistance, a toll-free helpline (18001800150) has also been made operational.
Monitoring Strengthened Across Divisions
To ensure smooth implementation, senior administrative officials have been appointed as nodal officers across all 18 divisions of the state. These officers will conduct field visits, review procurement arrangements, and coordinate with local authorities to resolve issues promptly.
Regular review meetings are being held to maintain efficiency and transparency in the procurement process.
Relief Amid Weather Challenges
Unseasonal rainfall during the harvesting period had raised concerns among farmers about reduced crop quality and potential losses. By allowing procurement of sub-standard wheat at MSP, the government aims to cushion the impact and maintain confidence among the farming community.
Officials подчеркнули that the initiative reflects a proactive approach to agricultural challenges and reinforces the commitment to farmer welfare. The relaxed norms are expected to ensure that no farmer is forced to sell below MSP due to quality deterioration caused by factors beyond their control.
