The government had 43.8 mln tn wheat in its stock as of Jun 1, against 33.4 mln tn a year ago. Inventories rose by nearly 10 mln tn in the last one month due to a pick-up in procurement. Government’s wheat procurement for the current year has topped 35.0 mln tn, 16% higher on year. The Centre has so far purchased 35.2 mln tn wheat for the current marketing year ending March, against the target of 32 mln tn. The sharp rise in procurement this year could be attributed to higher MSP.