The government had 19.6 mln tn wheat in stocks as of Jan 1, up 43.1% on year. Wheat stocks are higher this year due to huge procurement for 2017-18 (Apr-Mar) marketing year and subdued sales under the government’s open market scheme. The government procured 30.8 mln tn wheat for the current marketing year, up 35% from a year ago, after the country witnessed a record high output in 2016-17 (Jul-Jun). Despite high stocks, the government’s sales so far have remained subdued as there are enough supplies in the market from domestic harvest as well as imports.