Wheat Procurement to Begin in Uttar Pradesh from March 25; Target Raised to 5 Million Tonnes

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved its wheat procurement policy under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework for the 2026-27 Rabi marketing season, with procurement set to commence on March 25 and continue until June 15.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Announcing the decision, State Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said the procurement target has been significantly enhanced from 3 million metric tonnes to 5 million metric tonnes, reflecting the state’s push to strengthen farmer support and ensure better price realization.

For the season, the central government has fixed the MSP for wheat at Rs 2,585 per quintal.

To facilitate smooth procurement, nearly 6,500 procurement centres will be set up across the state by eight agencies. The Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Federation (PCF) will operate the highest number with 3,300 centres, followed by 1,250 centres by the Food Department’s Marketing Branch. Other agencies include 700 centres by the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Union (UPPCU), 400 by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), 350 by the Uttar Pradesh Consumer Cooperative Federation (UPSS), 300 by NAFED, and 100 each by NCCF and the State Agricultural Produce Market Council.

Procurement centres will function from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with District Magistrates authorized to adjust timings based on local requirements. Centres will remain open on all working days, including second Saturdays and local holidays, except Sundays and gazetted holidays.

The procurement process will be fully digitized, with farmers required to undergo biometric authentication through electronic point-of-purchase (e-POP) devices. Mobile procurement centres will also capture geo-coordinates to ensure transparency.

In a farmer-friendly move, sharecroppers will also be eligible to register and sell their produce. Payments will be made directly into farmers’ bank accounts through the Government of India’s PFMS portal within 48 hours of procurement.

Additionally, registered trusts will be allowed to sell wheat, subject to biometric verification of authorized representatives, with payments routed to their bank accounts.

The state government has assured that all procurement centres will be equipped with basic facilities, including drinking water, seating, and parking. Protective measures such as crates and tarpaulins will also be provided to safeguard wheat from adverse weather conditions, ensuring minimal post-harvest losses.

Baghpat Cooperative Sugar Mill Capacity to Double with Rs 372 Crore Expansion Plan

The state cabinet has approved a Rs 372.49 crore proposal, cleared by the Public Investment Board, to set up a new unit at The Kisan Cooperative Sugar Mill Ltd. in Baghpat. The project will double the mill’s crushing capacity from 2,500 tonnes per day (TCD) to 5,000 TCD, strengthening sugar production and boosting farmer incomes in the region.

Under the approved funding structure, 50 percent of the project cost will be provided by the state government as equity or grant, while the remaining 50 percent will be extended as a loan. The expansion is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce cane backlog, and ensure timely payments to sugarcane farmers.

UP Cabinet Clears Private Business Park Development Scheme-2025 to Boost Investment

The Cabinet has also approved the Uttar Pradesh Private Business Park Development Scheme-2025, aimed at accelerating industrial growth and attracting global investment.

The scheme envisions the development of modern business parks equipped with ready-to-operate and plug-and-play infrastructure, enabling global corporations to establish offices, research and development (R&D) centres, global capability centres (GCCs), and operational hubs with ease.

These business parks are designed to function as innovation-driven ecosystems that will attract knowledge-based industries, facilitate technology transfer, strengthen research capabilities, and promote entrepreneurship across the state. The initiative is expected to enhance Uttar Pradesh’s competitiveness as an emerging investment destination.