Bhopal: More wheat farmers in Madhya Pradesh are queuing up to the private mandis with their produce, says a report.
This is despite the government has set up fully-mechanised procurement centres just as the year is seeing peak in demand for wheat.
One centre run by the government at Dewas district, according to Indian Express, can process around 2,000 metric tons of wheat a day.
However, only a few farmer turned up here to sell their produce.
Between March 28 and April 29 this year, the government procured 34.32 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, says the report.
This is lower than 44.60 lakh metric tonnes from the same period the previous year.
Private mandis report 40 per cent more arrival of wheat compared to previous year. Thanks to higher rates offered by traders.
Wheat is fetching Rs 2,500/quintal, according to one farmer.
Jumping from 4 lakh metric tonnes last year, private centre collected 28.79 lakh metric tonnes of what until Apirl 28.
India is trying to meet peaking export demand for wheat after Russia's Ukraine attack.
MP government has slowed down procurement this year as it has stocked up 100 lakh metric tonnes where it needs 30 lakh metric tonnes. The surplus wheat is being sold in the international market.
Farmers in Madhya Pradesh are now getting up to Rs 2,500/quintal of wheat in private mandis as against the Rs 2,015 MSP, the report said.
Alongside traditional buyers including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines, India this time will supply to Egypt, Turkey among others.
The farmers might take home anywhere between Rs 2,300 to Rs 2,500 per quintal of wheat.
The state has not yet been affected by the heat wave, which is harming wheat yield in Punjab and Haryana.
Alongside production of wheat remains unaffected at 347 lakh metric tonnes against 350 lakh metric tonnes previously.
MP State Civil Supplies Corporation (MPSCSC) procures wheat in the state for Food Corporation of India.
Before the season ends on May 15, the government could continue procure at a slow pace managing at best some 55-60 lakh metric tonnes, according to officials.
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