The Punjab government has officially announced its Wheat Policy 2026, setting the support price of new wheat at Rs 3,500 per maund, aimed at ensuring fair returns for farmers and maintaining strategic reserves.
According to the official notification, the government has decided to procure strategic wheat reserves through stakeholders, allowing private sector participation in the wheat procurement process for the first time under a structured framework.
25 Lakh Metric Tons Wheat to Be Procured
Under the new policy, the Punjab government will procure up to 2.5 million metric tons of wheat as part of its strategic reserves. The purchase will be carried out in collaboration with approved stakeholders, while wheat prices for the current season will remain aligned with open market rates of 2025.
Financing Through Banks, Government to Bear 70% Cost
The notification states that the management of strategic wheat reserves will be handled through buyer banks, with the Punjab government bearing 70 percent of the financing cost. To facilitate smooth operations, selected stakeholders will be provided government warehouses free of charge.
Limits Placed on Aggregators
To prevent market manipulation, strict limits have been placed on aggregators. Under the policy:
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An aggregator cannot purchase less than 0.5% or more than 20% of total wheat
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This measure aims to ensure fair competition and protect small farmers
Full and Immediate Payment to Farmers
The policy guarantees that farmers will receive 100 percent payment at Rs 3,500 per maund on the spot, ensuring transparency and timely compensation.
Officials say the new wheat policy is designed to stabilize the wheat market, protect farmers’ interests, and strengthen Punjab’s food security framework ahead of the next agricultural cycle.
