Lucknow, June 14 -- Uttar Pradesh has procured more cattle fodder than wheat in terms of target achievement (in percentages ) this year, despite the state requiring over 70 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of wheat annually to meet its public distribution system (PDS) needs, reflecting changing rural priorities and marketing dynamics.

According to official data, the state government fixed a minimum target of procuring 60 lakh MT of wheat at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs.2425 per quintal from farmers this marketing season. Despite widespread publicity and procurement drives, it managed to purchase just a little over 10 lakh MT - achieving only about 17% of its target. The government began the wheat procurement for 2025 on April 1 through 5...