FCI proposes relaxation in wheat quality norms for Punjab, Chandigarh

The recommendation follows multiple representations made to the Centre. The Punjab government’s Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department had first sought relaxation on April 9, citing damage caused by unseasonal rains during the harvesting period. This was followed by similar requests from grain market associations and FCI’s district office in Chandigarh on April 13.

Acting on these requests, and in compliance with directions issued by the Department of Food and Public Distribution on April 10, joint teams comprising officials from the Centre, FCI, and state agencies were constituted to assess the ground situation.

These teams collected samples from multiple mandis and procurement centres in Punjab and Chandigarh, which were then analysed to assess compliance with uniform specifications for wheat procurement.

The findings revealed that several quality parameters had exceeded prescribed limits. As per the FCI letter, the deterioration was attributed to adverse climatic conditions, including unseasonal rainfall during the critical harvesting period, which led to issues such as shrivelling, grain discolouration (lustre loss), and damage.

Based on the analysis, the FCI recommended permitting up to 20% shrivelled and broken grains without any value cut, up to to 80% lustre loss and up to 6% damaged and slightly damaged grains. These relaxations have been proposed specifically for Punjab and Chandigarh.

Under standard procurement norms, only 6% shrivelled and broken grains are allowed. There is no specified limit for lustre loss, but for damaged and slightly damaged grains, the normal limit is up to 2% and 4%, respectively.

Procurement hit by delay

The mandis in Punjab are flooded with grains as, for more than a week, procurement agencies have remained largely cautious, lifting only wheat that strictly meets existing norms. Farmers have been waiting for several days with their produce lying in open yards, increasing the risk of further deterioration.

In its communication, FCI has urged authorities to accord approval for the proposed relaxations at the earliest. It has emphasized that without such relaxation, a significant portion of the crop may remain unprocured.

The letter, signed by the Deputy General Manager (Quality Control) for FCI (Punjab Region), underlines that timely intervention is crucial to prevent further disruption during the peak procurement period.

“With mandis already under pressure and arrivals continuing, stakeholders — including farmers, traders, and procurement agencies — are now awaiting the Centre’s final nod, which will be given by the Department of Food and Public Distribution,” said Prem Goel, president, Arhtiya Association of Punjab, adding that procurement cannot pick up in the state until a final announcement on relaxation is made.