Limit open-ended procurement of rice & wheat: MSP panel

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Price (CACP) has suggested that the Indian government review its open-ended procurement policy for wheat and rice. The CACP recommends restricting the procurement of these cereals to meet the country’s food security and welfare schemes. The report also highlights the accumulation of excessive stocks, distorted cropping patterns, and over-exploitation of groundwater. The CACP proposes strengthening wheat procurement operations in certain states and compensating farmers for market surplus through price deficiency payments.