Centre clears CM Rekha Gupta’s request, FCI to resume wheat procurement in Delhi

Move to ensure fair prices for farmers, reduce costs and save time, says CM

Local procurement to strengthen PDS, curb unnecessary outward movement of grain

Delhi committed to advancing Prime Minister Ji’s vision for farmer welfare: CM

New Delhi, April 2026 : In a significant relief for farmers, the Centre has accepted Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta’s request to restart government wheat procurement in the capital through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), marking a resumption after a gap since 2021-22. The decision is expected to ensure that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce while strengthening the local agricultural ecosystem. Gupta thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Union government for the move, saying it reflects a firm commitment to farmers’ welfare and income security. “This is an important step in prioritising farmers’ interests. With coordinated efforts between the Centre and the Delhi government, farmers in the capital will be able to secure fair value for their produce and become more economically empowered,” she said.

The development follows a recent letter by the Chief Minister to Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi, seeking the immediate resumption of wheat procurement in Delhi during the ongoing rabi marketing season. In her communication, Gupta flagged that the absence of local procurement was forcing farmers to sell below MSP, adversely impacting their incomes. Acting on the request, the Centre has directed the FCI to begin procurement operations in Delhi for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season. Procurement will commence from April 24 at two key locations the FCI depot in Narela and the Najafgarh mandi, enabling farmers to sell their produce closer to home.

Welcoming the decision, Gupta said it would help achieve several key policy objectives. Farmers in Delhi will gain more equitable and easier access to the government procurement system. The availability of local centres will significantly reduce the need to transport produce to other states, cutting logistics and handling costs. She added that wheat procured locally can be seamlessly integrated into the Public Distribution System (PDS), strengthening the food security framework. At the same time, curbing unnecessary outward movement of grain will help maintain balance in local markets and improve supply chain efficiency.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of farmer welfare and income security, Gupta said ensuring remunerative prices for farmers has remained a priority for the Centre. “The Delhi government is equally committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring stable incomes. This initiative is a concrete and impactful step in that direction,” she said. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, wheat procurement at MSP by the FCI is being resumed in Delhi after 2021-22. The capital has around 29,000 hectares under cultivation and produces nearly 80,000 metric tonnes of wheat annually, exceeding local consumption and leaving a marketable surplus.

The initiative is expected to directly benefit around 21,000 farmers in Delhi. Farmers will be required to carry their Aadhaar card, land records and bank passbook to sell their produce at procurement centres. A village-wise procurement schedule will be announced shortly. The government has urged farmers to adhere to the notified schedule while visiting procurement centres to avoid inconvenience.