New Delhi, 29 April (H.S.): In significant relief for wheat farmers impacted by adverse weather, the Delhi government has relaxed quality standards for the Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27, permitting procurement of wheat with up to 70% luster loss (dull shine) and raising the limit for shriveled and broken grains to 15%.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced Wednesday that unseasonal weather damaged this year's wheat quality, potentially forcing distress sales at low prices. Following the government's request, the Centre approved these concessions, applicable across all Delhi districts during the season.

Under revised norms, weather-affected produce now qualifies for government purchase, though combined broken and light-broken grains must not exceed 6%. Such wheat will be segregated from regular stock, separately stored with distinct records for transparency, prioritized for early use, and consumed only within Delhi to meet local food needs. The government bears responsibility for any further quality deterioration during storage.

CM Gupta emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring fair prices for farmers' hard work, preventing economic losses. Officials have been directed to implement procurement transparently, accountably, and promptly to deliver timely relief.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar