Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced relaxed quality norms for wheat procurement in the rabi marketing season 2026-27. A state government spokesperson stated that the decision aims to prevent distress sales and ensure that farmers are not forced to sell their produce at reduced prices due to weather-related damage.
Revised Norms for Wheat Procurement
Under the revised norms, the permissible limit for wheat with lustre loss — characterised by reduced grain shine — has been increased to 70%. Additionally, the threshold for shrivelled and broken grains has been substantially raised from the earlier 6% to 20%. These relaxations are expected to enable procurement of a larger quantity of rain-affected wheat, offering immediate relief to cultivators across the state.
Storage and Accounting Measures
Officials stated that wheat procured under these relaxed conditions will be stored separately from standard-quality stock and maintained under a distinct accounting system. The government has also clarified that such wheat will be used exclusively within the state to ensure effective quality management and monitoring.
The spokesperson said that the state government will bear full responsibility for any further deterioration in the quality of this stock during storage. Authorities have also indicated that these stocks will be disposed of on a priority basis to minimise risks associated with prolonged storage.
This decision is expected to significantly benefit farmers whose wheat crops were damaged by untimely rains, ensuring they receive fair prices for their produce. The move reflects the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and mitigating the impact of adverse weather conditions on farmers' livelihoods.
