Jaipur: The state govt has extended wheat procurement at the minimum support price (MSP) till June 19, offering relief to farmers who are yet to sell their produce at procurement centres.The decision was taken on the directions of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, who also approved an increase in the state’s wheat procurement target for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season from 23.5 lakh metric tonnes to 28.5 lakh metric tonnes.Officials said all registered farmers whose wheat has not yet been procured will now be able to sell their produce at MSP until June 19. According to the food and civil supplies department, the state has already procured 25.90 lakh metric tonnes of wheat from more than three lakh farmers. Farmers are currently receiving Rs 2,735 per quintal, including the Centre’s MSP of Rs 2,585 per quintal and a state bonus of Rs 150 per quintal.The govt said Rajasthan is among the states offering the highest price for wheat to farmers.Announcing the decision, Sharma said, “Our govt is taking sensitive and farmer-centric decisions with farmers’ welfare as the highest priority. By extending the procurement period, farmers who could not sell their produce earlier will get another opportunity to receive MSP and bonus benefits,” Sharma said.The chief minister directed procurement agencies to ensure smooth procurement operations in line with the revised target and prevent inconvenience to farmers.“All agencies have been instructed to ensure that procurement is completed efficiently and that proper arrangements are made for the safe storage of procured wheat,” he said.Officials said the extension is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across the state who were unable to bring their produce to procurement centres before the earlier deadline.
