Delhi Govt Stands Firmly with Farmers, Says CM Rekha Gupta

Govt to Relax Wheat Procurement Norms Amid Weather Damage: CM Rekha Gupta

Wheat with Up to 70% Loss of Lustre to Be Procured, Announces CM Rekha Gupta

Limit for Shrivelled and Broken Grains Raised to 15% to Avert Crop Loss: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, April 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has announced major relaxations in wheat procurement norms in view of the adverse weather conditions that have affected crop quality this year. Addressing the issue, the Chief Minister said the decision aims to ease farmers’ distress and prevent them from resorting to distress sales at lower prices. She noted that, acting on a request sent by the Delhi government to the Union Government on April 21, special relaxations in quality standards for wheat procurement have been approved for all districts of Delhi for the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026-27. These relaxations will be applicable from the very beginning of the current procurement season.

Under the revised norms, wheat with up to 70% loss of lustre will now be accepted. Additionally, the permissible limit for shrivelled and broken grains has been increased from 6% to 15% to ensure that weather-affected produce also qualifies for procurement. However, to maintain quality balance, it has been specified that broken and slightly broken grains together must not exceed 6%.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made it clear that wheat procured under these relaxed norms will be handled separately. Such grain will be stored independently from regular stock, with a distinct accounting system to ensure full transparency. She added that this wheat will be prioritised for early utilisation and will not be kept in storage for extended periods. The Chief Minister further stated that wheat procured under these provisions will be used strictly within Delhi to meet local food requirements. She also clarified that any deterioration in quality during storage will be the responsibility of the Delhi government.

Reaffirming her government’s commitment, CM Rekha Gupta said, “Ensuring fair value for the hard work of our annadatas is our responsibility.” She emphasised that the decision is a significant step towards providing relief to farmers, safeguarding their interests, and strengthening food security. The Delhi government will bear any financial or operational implications arising from this decision. The Chief Minister has directed officials to implement the entire process in a transparent, accountable, and time-bound manner so that its benefits reach farmers and consumers directly.