Yogi government provides relief for rain-affected wheat in UP; procurement under relaxed norms

The Uttar Pradesh government under Yogi Adityanath has introduced relaxed wheat procurement standards which will benefit farmers who suffered from unseasonal rainfall. The farmers will receive protection against distress sales because the implementation of this measure guarantees them fair prices despite their crops sustaining weather-related damage.

Relaxation in quality norms

Under the revised guidelines, the state has significantly eased key quality parameters for wheat procurement. The permissible limit for lustre loss—referring to the loss of shine in wheat grains—has been increased up to 70 per cent. In addition, the tolerance level for shrivelled and broken grains has been raised from 6 per cent to 20 per cent.

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Officials said these changes will allow the procurement of wheat that has been affected by rainfall but remains usable, thereby protecting farmers from being forced to sell their produce at low prices in the open market.

Separate storage and management system

The government has clarified that wheat procured under these relaxed norms will be stored separately from standard-quality stock. It will also be maintained under a distinct accounting system to ensure proper tracking and management.

Authorities further stated that this wheat will be used only within Uttar Pradesh. If any deterioration in quality occurs during storage, the responsibility will lie with the state government, and such stocks will be disposed of on a priority basis.

Relief for farmers across the state

This step is likely to help the farmers of Uttar Pradesh who have been facing losses because of the unpredictable climate. By allowing procurement under relaxed conditions, the government aims to stabilise farmers’ income and strengthen the procurement system during challenging climatic situations.

The authorities have characterised this as a crucial move in protecting agriculture-based livelihoods and facilitating easier procurement procedures during the Rabi season.

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this topic:

1) What has been announced by the government of Uttar Pradesh with regards to wheat procurement?

The government of Uttar Pradesh has announced relaxed criteria for wheat procurement during the Rabi Marketing Season 2026–27 in view of unseasonal rains.

2) Why have the norms regarding wheat procurement been relaxed?

This was done to avoid distress sales and ensure that no financial loss occurs to the farmers as a result of their crops being affected by weather conditions.

3) What does lustre loss in wheat signify?

Lustre loss signifies the loss in natural brightness of the grains as a result of exposure to rain and moisture.

4) Up to what extent has the criterion been relaxed regarding lustre loss?

Up to 70 per cent lustre loss of wheat is allowed now.

5) How have the standards for shrivelled and broken grains changed?

Now, a tolerance of up to 20 per cent is allowed as against 6 per cent previously.

6) Would damaged wheat also be purchased through this policy?

Yes, wheat that is damaged by rain but yet usable would be purchased under relaxed standards.

7) In what manner would the purchased wheat be stored?

The wheat purchased under this arrangement would be kept separately from normal-quality wheat grains.

8) Could this wheat be utilised outside Uttar Pradesh?

No, the wheat bought under these relaxed standards would only be utilised within Uttar Pradesh.

9) How will this decision benefit farmers?

It will help farmers avoid distress sales, ensure fair pricing, and stabilise their income despite weather-related crop damage.

With inputs from agency