The food ministry has proposed to offer 4.8-4.9 million tonne wheat under the open market sale scheme during 2017-18 (Apr-Mar) marketing year. The ministry has proposed selling the grain at a base price of 1,791 rupees per 100 kg, including a minimum support price of 1,625 rupees, 125 rupees for incidentals, 41 rupees for loading and unloading. The sale is expected to begin by mid-June. In 2016-17, government sold 4.6 million tonne wheat at a base price of 1,640 rupees per 100 kg, against the initial plan to sell 6.5-7.5 million tonne. The Food Corp of India releases wheat and rice in the open market to boost supply of grains during the lean season and keep a check on market prices.