Wheat procurement by government agencies is set to dip to a 15-year low in the current marketing season, from an all-time high scale last year.
It is expected that 18.5 million tonnes (mt) of wheat will be procured this time by government agencies.
This will be the lowest since the 11.1 mt bought in 2007-08.
Rise in export demand mainly fuelled by Russia – Ukraine war.
The war has led to skyrocketing prices and a further increase in demand for Indian grain.
Farmers find it more profitable to export now.
Lower production due to the sudden spike in temperatures from the second half of March when the crop was in the grain-filling stage, with the kernels still accumulating starch, protein and other dry matter, has taken a toll on yields.