India is the second-largest producer and consumer of wheat in the world, after China, and it accounts for about 13% of global wheat production. Wheat is a staple food crop in India, and it plays a vital role in the country's food security. The major wheat-growing states are Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. India's wheat production in 2022-23 was around 110 million tonnes, a record high. This was due to collective efforts of governmental, private agencies and increased use of appropriate technology as well as required inputs provided to the farmers. The government also procured enough of wheat in 2022-23 to support farmers and meet the growing demand for wheat grains in the country.
Wheat availability for processing and consumption in India in 2022-23 was considered sufficient to meet the growing domestic demand for various types of wheat products. Four North Indian States including Punjab, Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan together account for over 65% of India's total wheat production. Punjab's wheat production plays a crucial role in India's food security. The state's contribution to the national wheat pool is around 15 per cent that helps to ensure a stable supply of wheat for the country's growing population. Wheat availability in Punjab is generally favourable owing to better irrigation facilities, farming practices and proactive contribution of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The state's production is sufficient to meet the domestic demand, and there is always surplus of wheat in the state of Punjab for commercial processing. District wise area and production of wheat in Punjab in shown in Table 1 as per estimate given by Statistical Abstract of Punjab 2022.
The consumption of wheat value-added products is expected to continue growth in the future driven by population growth, rising disposable incomes, and evolving consumer preferences. Technological advancements in wheat milling and processing will further enhance the quality, convenience, and variety of wheat-based products, catering to the diverse needs of consumers. The abundant supply of wheat provides a solid foundation for establishing a new state-of-the-art wheat milling industry in the state. The strategic location of new mill in Fatehgarh Sahib facilitates the efficient movement of raw and processed goods from farms to the mill and the distribution of processed products to the domestic and international markets.
In summary, the installation of a new modern wheat roller flour mill at HAVCO Foods Pvt. Ltd. ,FatehgarhSahib aims to enhance flour quality, improve production efficiency, expand market reach, and prioritize food safety. These objectives align with the growing demand for high-quality, safe, and diverse flour products, positioning the mill for success in the competitive global flour industry with a broader aim of serving growing wheat products demand of Indian consumers.
The establishment of a new roller wheat flour mill in FatehgarhSahib, Punjab, can have a significant positive impact on wheat farmers across the state. Approximately 2000 farmers in Punjab may be benefitted by an establishment of a new roller wheat flour mill in Fatehgarhsahib , Punjab. The majority of these farmers in Punjab are small and marginal with an average landholding of less than 2 hectares. By providing farmers with access to new markets, improving price stability, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting sustainable agriculture, the mill can help to improve the livelihoods of wheat farmers and contribute to the economic prosperity of Punjab.