Punjab wheat evacuation ahead of last year despite lower arrivals; Centre adds 100 railway rakes
Punjab recorded faster wheat evacuation from mandis during the 2026 rabi procurement season, with lifting surpassing last year despite lower arrivals. The Centre allocated 100 additional wheat-special rail rakes to ease congestion and speed grain movement to other Indian states.
The Centre on Thursday said wheat evacuation from Punjab’s wholesale mandis is running ahead of last year’s pace despite lower crop arrivals, resulting in reduced congestion at procurement centres during the current rabi marketing season.
Progressive lifting of wheat from mandis stood at 78.96 lakh tonnes as on May 6, 2026, compared with 75.63 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period in 2025. Total arrivals in the state, however, were lower at approximately 122 lakh tonnes against 125 lakh tonnes a year ago – a shortfall of around 3 lakh tonnes.
To further ease mandi congestion, the Food Ministry has allocated 100 additional “wheat specials” (special rail rakes), with a combined capacity of 3 lakh tonnes (LMT) for Punjab during May, earmarked for movement to Uttar Pradesh and southern states.
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Source : The Hindu Businessline
