The government had 23.9 MMT wheat in its stocks at the beginning of this month, up 27.1% on year. The rise in wheat stocks can be attributed to higher procurement and lesser sale under the open market scheme. Government’s wheat procurement for the current marketing year (Apr-Mar), was nearly 35% higher on year at 30.8 MMT, as the country produced a record high crop in 2016-17 (Jul-Jun). The centre spent less from its wheat stocks as there is abundant supply in the market from the last harvest and also from high imports.