Patna: State food and consumer protection department has commenced the procurement of wheat at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,425 per quintal for the rabi marketing season 2025-26. The procurement process, which began on April 1 this year, will continue till June 15.The state govt has ensured that farmers receive payment for their sold wheat within 48 hours, providing them with immediate financial support. This initiative guarantees a fixed price for farmers’ produce, aiming to improve their economic condition and prevent them from being forced to sell their wheat at lower prices to middlemen.Farmers can sell their wheat at primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) at the panchayat level or through trade bodies at the block level. Some procurement centres have also been established by the Food Corporation of India (FCI).To sell wheat, farmers must first register on the portal of the agriculture department. After registration, they can submit their application on the portal of the state’s cooperative department to participate in the procurement process. This online system has introduced transparency into wheat procurement and eliminated the role of middlemen.