New Delhi, Jul 13: In a move aimed at aligning with rising procurement costs and market trends, the Centre has announced a hike in the reserve prices of wheat and rice under the Open Market Sale Scheme-Domestic (OMSS-D) for the 2025–26 financial year.
Wheat Prices Up by 10.86%
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on July 10, the reserve price of wheat has been revised to ₹2,550 per quintal, a 10.86% increase from last year’s rate of ₹2,300.
The revised price will apply to:
- Private buyers through e-auctions
- Central cooperative agencies like NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar (selling under the Bharat brand via stores, mobile vans, e-commerce, or retail chains)
- Community kitchens
The new rate will be valid until June 30, 2026, and transportation charges will be added where applicable.
Rice Price Revision from November 1
While the current rice reserve prices will remain in effect until October 31, 2025, a 3% hike will be implemented from November 1:
- ₹2,890 per quintal for rice with 25% broken grains (up from ₹2,800)
- ₹2,320 per quintal for sale to state agencies and ethanol distilleries (up from ₹2,250)
- ₹3,090 per quintal for custom-milled rice (CMR) with 10% broken grains (up from ₹3,000)
The ministry stated the price increase is in line with the minimum support price (MSP) hike for paddy.
Additionally, support from the Price Stabilisation Fund — ₹200/quintal — for Bharat brand rice will be withdrawn starting July 1, 2025.
Quantity and Timing to Be Decided Later
The Food Corporation of India (FCI), in consultation with the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), will decide the quantum and timing of stock releases. Decisions will factor in PDS requirements, buffer stock norms, and a strategic reserve of:
- 20 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) for wheat
- 30 LMT for rice
Coarse Grains Price List Announced
The Centre also fixed OMSS reserve prices for coarse grains:
- Bajra: ₹2,775/quintal
- Ragi: ₹4,886/quintal
- Jowar: ₹3,749/quintal
- Maize: ₹2,400/quintal
The price hike aims to balance food security needs with market stability as inflation and demand fluctuate.
