As nation’s wheat stock dips, all eyes on Punjab for bumper crop

Ruchika M Khanna

Chandigarh, January 21

As wheat stock in the country dwindle, all eyes are on Punjab, which is expecting a bumper crop this year.

In the beginning of the month, wheat stock in the country was 163.50 lakh tonnes. This is the lowest stocks held by the Food Corporation of India since year 2017, when wheat stocks had dwindled to 137.50 lakh tonnes. In Punjab, the FCI is holding wheat stock of 23 lakh tonnes.

Area under crop surpassed

• In Punjab, the FCI is holding stock of 23 lakh tonnes. The area under wheat has surpassed its target of 32 lakh hectare
• In the beginning of the month, wheat stock in the country was 163 lakh tonne

Moreover, as demand for wheat rises globally and production remains static, a good wheat crop in the state – a major wheat producer along with Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh – is not only being watched by the Government of India, but also several international food agencies.

In spite of late paddy harvest, the area under wheat has surpassed its target of 32 lakh hectares. Though the area under wheat is marginally lower than last year, as area under mustard has increased, a good harvest and high yield is expected.

According to officials in the state Agriculture Department, against a target of bringing 32 lakh hectare under wheat during the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season, the area under wheat this year is 34.80 lakh hectare.

This is marginally lower than 35.08 lakh hectares area under wheat last year. However, the production is expected to be at slightly higher level than 164.75 lakh tonnes last year. Last year, the yield was 4,696 kg per hectare.

“Though we will be able to exactly assess the wheat production by end of this month, several international food agencies from Australia, the US, etc are also monitoring the wheat production here. Since the persistent cold and foggy weather increases the risk of yellow rust, we are continuously working with farmers through our extension channels to advise them on how to protect the crop,” Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh said.