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Express view on domestic supply position on wheat: A Goldilocks moment

2 min read

Current Wheat and Rice Stock Situation

Wheat Stock Analysis

A favorable wheat stock scenario has been observed, creating a so-called Goldilocks situation, where the conditions are "just right" for farmers, traders, and the government.

  • On April 1, government wheat stocks were at 7.5 million tonnes (mt), the lowest since 2008.
  • Wholesale wheat prices in Delhi rose significantly to Rs 3,200 per quintal this January, compared to Rs 2,500 a year earlier.
  • Open market sales of wheat from public stocks were over 10 mt during 2023-24, decreasing to just over 4 mt in 2024-25.
  • The government strategy to conserve wheat stocks and let prices rise proved effective, with public stocks reaching 11.8 mt by this April.
  • The new wheat crop is abundant, with government agencies set to procure over 30 mt, the highest in four years.
  • Wheat prices in Delhi eased to Rs 2,450-2,500 per quintal, indicating robust market arrivals.
  • Farmers received a fair reward for wheat, with the government's minimum support price (MSP) at Rs 2,425 per quintal.

Factors Contributing to Wheat Success

  • Increased acreage for wheat cultivation due to good prices and higher MSP with additional bonuses in states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Favorable weather conditions with adequate soil moisture and irrigation water availability.

Rice Stock Situation

Rice stocks present a contrasting scenario to wheat, with an oversupply issue.

  • Government rice stocks on April 1 were 63.1 mt, over four times the required amount of 13.6 mt.
  • India is structurally surplus in rice, grown across almost all regions, making it a water-intensive crop.

Policy Recommendations

  • There is a need to limit rice cultivation and shift acreage to less water-intensive crops like maize, oilseeds, and pulses.
  • Concrete policy actions are needed to address this imbalance without further delay.
  • Tags :
  • Wheat and Rice Stock Situation
  • Goldilocks situation
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