India, June 4 -- The Government's wheat procurement rose 17 per cent to over 35 million tonne (MT) in the 2026-27 rabi marketing season, surpassing both the target of 34.5 MT and the previous year's procurement of 30 MT, a senior food ministry official said on Wednesday.

"Wheat procurement has crossed 35 million tonne so far this season. We have exceeded the target. Procurement in major producing states has been completed," the official said.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies procure wheat at the minimum support price (MSP) to meet requirements under the National Food Security Act and other welfare schemes.

Higher procurement was facilitated by mandi rates ruling below the MSP, owing to robust domestic production o...