UP cabinet hikes wheat MSP by Rs 160 per quintal | Lucknow News

Lucknow: The state cabinet approved the procurement policy for wheat for the 2026–27 marketing season, fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at Rs 2,585 per quintal, in line with the rates announced by the Centre.The announced MSP marks an increase of Rs 160 per quintal compared to the previous year, a move aimed at ensuring better returns to farmers and encouraging wheat procurement across the state.According to the cabinet decision, the procurement drive will be carried out from March 30 to June 15. State govt has planned an extensive arrangement for a smooth procurement process. Under this, around 6,500 purchase centres will be set up in all 75 UP districts.Officials said eight designated procurement agencies will undertake the exercise — Food Corporation of India; Uttar Pradesh Mandi Parishad; Pradeshik Cooperative Federation; Pradeshik Cooperative Union; Uttar Pradesh State Warehousing Corporation; National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India; and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India.UP govt expects that the increased MSP and a wide procurement network will help in maximizing wheat purchases while safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring adequate stock for the public distribution system.The state govt will use electronic Point of Purchase (e-PoP) machines for biometric verification of farmers at procurement centres, including mobile units. Each transaction at mobile procurement centre will also capture geo-location data.Payments to farmers will be made directly into their bank accounts through govt’s financial management system, with an effort to complete transactions within 48 hours.