Agricultural Procurement Adjustments and Digital Integration in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana
Introduction
The state governments of Madhya Pradesh and Haryana have implemented revised quality standards for wheat procurement and introduced digital administrative reforms to facilitate the 2026–27 rabi marketing season.
Main Body
In response to adverse weather conditions and water scarcity, both Madhya Pradesh and Haryana have modified their wheat quality specifications to reduce the rejection of produce. Madhya Pradesh has increased the permissible threshold for underdeveloped grains from 6% to 10% and expanded the acceptance of low-lustre wheat. Similarly, Haryana has raised the limit for broken and shriveled grains from 6% to 15% and increased the permissible lustre loss limit to 70%. To enhance operational efficiency, Haryana has integrated digital systems into the procurement process. The state has deployed QR code-based J-forms via WhatsApp and announced the forthcoming launch of a 'Kisan App' to centralize payment status, land verification, and gate pass scheduling. Furthermore, the implementation of geo-fencing at 416 mandis and 281 procurement centres, alongside 932 CCTV cameras, is intended to prevent fraudulent transactions and eliminate manual token systems. Madhya Pradesh has focused on expanding its procurement infrastructure and diversifying agricultural output. The state increased its wheat procurement target from 7.8 million to 10 million metric tonnes and established over 3,500 collection centres. To encourage the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, the government provided a ₹600 per quintal bonus for urad and extended the price deficiency payment scheme to mustard. Additionally, the state is providing subsidies of up to 90% for solar irrigation pumps and maintaining urea stocks through technology-driven distribution systems. Quantitative data from Haryana indicates a significant increase in wheat arrivals, totaling 81.48 lakh metric tonnes, which represents the highest volume in four years. Approximately 97% of this volume has undergone biometric verification, with 70.23 lakh metric tonnes procured. In Madhya Pradesh, the government continues direct income support via the Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana, providing ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers. Separately, Haryana has increased the commission for arhtiyas from ₹33.75 to ₹55 per quintal and is exploring commercial expansions in Sonepat following consultations with Punjab traders.
Conclusion
The current agricultural landscape in these regions is characterized by a shift toward flexible quality norms to mitigate climate-related crop damage and an increasing reliance on digital infrastructure to ensure transparency in procurement and payment.