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Madhya Pradesh has so far procured 5.5 million tonnes of wheat despite this being a no-bonus season for farmers. Over the last five years, bonus of Rs 150 per quintal of wheat attracted farmers to the government's procurement system.
“We are expecting wheat procurement to cross seven million tonnes this year again,” said Ashok Barnwal, principal secretary, food and civil supplies department, Madhya Pradesh government.
Though erratic weather has damaged the crop over the last three years, procurement remains above five million tonnes. Wheat production in the state has gone up across all districts and touched approximately 30 quintal per acre in Harda-Hoshangabad belt.
