Major Relief for Farmers: Rain-Damaged Wheat to be Procured at MSP; Government Issues Directives..

MSP: The Central Government has decided to procure wheat crops damaged by unseasonal rains at the Minimum Support Price (MSP)—a move that brings significant relief to farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Wheat grains that have lost up to 70% of their natural luster or appear shriveled will now be purchased at a rate of ₹2,585 per quintal, without any deductions. This relaxation in quality norms has been granted to mitigate the financial losses incurred due to crop damage.

Indeed, sudden rains and hailstorms have caused extensive damage to crops, resulting in heavy financial losses for farmers. In light of this situation, the Central Government has decided to provide relief to farmers for the 2026–27 Rabi marketing season. The government will now procure rain-damaged wheat crops—even those showing a quality deterioration of up to 70%—at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This initiative will assist farmers in selling their produce and help mitigate their losses to a certain extent.

**Major Relief for Farmers**

The government has relaxed procurement norms regarding rain-damaged wheat crops. The government will now purchase wheat even if its quality has deteriorated by up to 70%. Furthermore, the permissible limit for shriveled and broken grains—previously set at 6%—has been increased to 15%. However, the overall limit for damaged and slightly damaged grains remains unchanged at 6%. Wheat procurement from farmers will be conducted in accordance with these relaxed norms. This decision will provide substantial assistance to farmers who have been demanding such relaxations in wheat procurement since the beginning of this month. The Central Government has announced similar relief measures for farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan as well.

Wheat crops with up to 70% rain-induced damage will be procured at the MSP.

The MSP for wheat for the 2026–27 Rabi season has been fixed at ₹2,585 per quintal.
The permissible limit for shriveled and broken grains has been increased from 6% to 15%. 

The State Government Will Compensate Farmers for Losses
In a letter dated April 17, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution stated that this exemption has been granted to provide relief to farmers in Punjab and Chandigarh. The objective is to ensure that farmers are not compelled to sell their wheat at distress prices. However, the Central Government has clarified that the State Government will bear the responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of this exemption; that is, should any losses occur, the Punjab Government will provide the compensation. Wheat procured under this exemption will be stored in separate facilities, and priority will be given to its early evacuation (disposal). Furthermore, should any issues arise regarding storage, the responsibility for the same will also rest with the State Government.

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