The Centre has approved Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s request to restart wheat procurement in the Capital through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), offering relief to farmers ahead of the rabi marketing season.
The move, which marks the resumption of procurement after a gap since 2021-22, is expected to ensure that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce while reducing logistics costs and strengthening the local agricultural ecosystem.
Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government, CM Gupta said the decision reflects a strong commitment to farmer welfare and income security.
“With coordinated efforts between the Centre and the Delhi Government, farmers will be able to secure fair value for their produce and become more economically empowered,” she said.
The decision follows a letter by the Chief Minister to Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi, seeking immediate resumption of procurement in Delhi. She had flagged that the absence of local procurement was forcing farmers to sell below MSP.
Acting on the request, the Centre has directed the FCI to begin procurement operations for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season from April 24. Procurement will take place at two locations – FCI depot in Narela and Najafgarh mandi, allowing farmers to sell their produce closer to home.
Officials said the move would reduce the need to transport wheat to neighbouring states, cutting handling and transportation costs. Locally procured grain will also be integrated into the public distribution system, improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening food security.
According to official estimates, Delhi has around 29,000 hectares under cultivation and produces nearly 80,000 metric tonnes of wheat annually, leaving a surplus beyond local consumption. The initiative is expected to benefit around 21,000 farmers in the Capital.
Farmers would have to carry Aadhaar cards, land records and bank passbooks to procurement centres, officials said.
