The arrival of wheat has begun across various states in India, and farmers are receiving excellent prices right from the start of the season. This year, wheat market prices have seen a record surge, bringing great enthusiasm among farmers. In states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, wheat prices are currently higher than the government-declared Minimum Support Price (MSP).
According to agricultural experts, the area under wheat cultivation has expanded this year. By February 4, 2025, wheat had been sown across 324.38 lakh hectares in the country, surpassing last year’s 318.33 lakh hectares. Despite expectations of a bumper harvest, wheat prices in the market remain at elevated levels.
The government is closely monitoring wheat prices to prevent hoarding and ensure food security. To control stockpiling, the central government has imposed a stock limit on wheat storage, which will remain in effect until March 31, 2025. Under this regulation, traders, wholesalers, retailers, and processors cannot store wheat beyond the prescribed limit.
However, wheat prices continue to remain at record levels, benefiting farmers significantly. In many regions, wheat is being sold at ₹1,000-₹2,000 per quintal above the MSP in the open market. As a result, farmers are preferring to sell their produce to private traders instead of government mandis.
If we look at the wheat prices in different state mandis, Madhya Pradesh’s Guna Mandi recorded a price of ₹4,580 per quintal. In Mumbai, the maximum wheat price reached ₹6,000 per quintal, the highest rate this year.
Wheat Prices in Madhya Pradesh Mandis:
The average price in Madhya Pradesh stands at ₹2,571.67 per quintal, with some mandis witnessing rates above ₹4,500 per quintal.
Wheat Prices in Rajasthan Mandis:
The average wheat price in Rajasthan is ₹2,842.04 per quintal, with a maximum price reaching ₹3,200 per quintal.
Wheat Prices in Uttar Pradesh Mandis:
The average price in Uttar Pradesh is ₹2,717.5 per quintal, with a peak price of ₹3,050 per quintal.
Wheat Prices in Maharashtra Mandis:
The average price in Maharashtra is ₹2,765 per quintal, while Mumbai Mandi recorded the highest price of ₹6,000 per quintal.
Wheat Prices in Gujarat Mandis:
The average wheat price in Gujarat is ₹2,582.33 per quintal, with a maximum price of ₹3,300 per quintal.
Will Wheat Prices Decline in the Coming Days?
With the arrival of new wheat crops in several states, farmers are currently securing good prices. Agricultural experts believe that if a large quantity of wheat enters the market simultaneously, prices may decline.
However, there are no concrete signs of a price drop yet. Farmers who sell their entire crop in a hurry might receive lower prices. Hence, experts recommend that farmers bring their produce to the market gradually to maximize their earnings.
Government’s Strategy and Advice for Farmers:
To regulate wheat prices, the central government has already implemented stock limits to prevent hoarding and protect consumers from high costs.
Advice for Farmers:
Stay updated with the latest wheat price trends and government policies to make informed selling decisions.