The Centre on Monday announced a hike in rates of commission paid to Arthiyas (commission agents) and cooperative societies engaged in procurement of wheat and paddy on behalf of the government. The new rates will become effective from Rabi marketing season (RMS) 2026-27.
In a statement, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said the rate of commission payable to Arthiyas for procurement of wheat in Punjab and Haryana has been increased from Rs 46 per quintal to Rs 50.75 per quintal. In Rajasthan, the rate of commission paid to Arthiyas for wheat procurement has been increased from Rs 41.40 per quintal to Rs 45.67 per quintal.
The move is significant as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures wheat and paddy through Arthiyas in Punjab and Haryana. It comes a year before Assembly elections in Punjab in 2027. The move is also significant as farmers and Arthiyas had led the protest against the three farm laws and forced the government to repeal them. Punjab and Haryana both are major contributors of foodgrains to the Central pool.
The Ministry statement said, “The Government of India has approved the revision of commission rates payable to Arthiyas and cooperative societies engaged in procurement of wheat and paddy on behalf of the Government, effective from the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026-27 onwards.”
