The central government has decided to sell wheat, rice and coarse grains from government stocks under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). For the year 2025-26, the reserve price for wheat to be sold in the open market has been set at Rs 2,550 per quintal, against the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat is Rs 2,425 per quintal. The reserve price for wheat does not include transportation costs. Last year, wheat was sold in the open market at a reserve price of Rs 2,300-2,325 per quintal.
According to a letter sent by the Ministry of Food to the Food Corporation of India (FCI), under OMSS, wheat will be sold not only to private traders but also to cooperative institutions such as NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and community kitchens. NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandars will use this wheat to sell “Bharat” brand flour through their stores or mobile vans.
According to the Ministry of Food, the quantity and timing of wheat to be sold in the open market will be determined by FCI in consultation with the ministry, considering available stock, buffer norms, and the requirements of the Public Distribution System (PDS). It is estimated that the government may sell about 4–5 million tonnes of wheat under OMSS. This sale is likely to start from August and will be carried out in phases.
This year, due to a record wheat production of 117.5 million tonnes, the government has adequate stocks. Against the buffer norm of 27.58 million tonnes set for July 1, FCI currently has about 35.2 million tonnes (352 lakh tonnes) of wheat in stock. During the 2025-26 rabi marketing season, government agencies have procured about 30 million tonnes of wheat, which is the highest in the last four years.
5.2 Million Tonnes of Rice Allocated for Ethanol
For ethanol production, 5.2 million tonnes of rice will be sold under OMSS in 2025-26, which is the same as last year. Rice will be sold to ethanol distilleries at a reserve price of Rs 2,250 per quintal until October 31 and Rs 2,320 per quintal from November 1. The minimum support price (MSP) for paddy is Rs 2,389 per quintal. As far as possible, old or broken rice will be used for ethanol production.
For the sale of Bharat brand rice by central cooperative institutions such as NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar, a reserve price of Rs 2,480 per quintal has been set from November 1. For state governments, state corporations, and community kitchens, the reserve price for rice will be Rs 2,320 per quintal. From November 1, the quantity has been reduced from 3.6 million tonnes to 3.2 million tonnes.
For 10% broken rice, the reserve price has been set at Rs 3,090 per quintal, and for 25% broken rice, it is Rs 2,829 per quintal. This time, the government has also included the sale of broken rice from the rice milling scheme under OMSS. Its reserve price will be Rs 2,320 per quintal from November 1.
‘Bharat’ Flour and Rice
The ministry has clarified that private millers will not be allowed to sell 'Bharat' brand flour and rice. Only central cooperative institutions such as NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandars will be able to sell Bharat brand flour and rice. However, from July 1, the government has discontinued the assistance of Rs 200 per quintal given to these cooperative institutions from the price stabilization fund.
The sale of wheat and rice in the open market will help the government control prices during the festive season and manage adequate grain stocks.