Explained: What is fair and average quality wheat, the norms for which have been relaxed by the government?

What is the News?

The Centre has relaxed the Fair and Average Quality(FAQ) norms for wheat in the ongoing rabi marketing season in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh raising the permissible limit of “shriveled and broken grains” to 18% from the existing 6%.

Procurement Process of Wheat

Every year, before procurement begins in April, the Storage and Research (S&R) division of the Department of Food & Public Distribution notifies specifications to ensure the quality of the procured wheat. 

During this year, wheat-containing up to 0.75% foreign matter, 2% damaged grain, 4% slightly damaged grain, 6% shrivelled and broken grain and 12% moisture was cleared for procurement.

These specifications are implemented at the time of procurement by the Quality Control Wing of the Food Corporation of India(FCI). 

What is Fair and Average Quality(FAQ) Wheat?

Fair and Average quality(FAQ) wheat is one that meets all laid-down specifications for the procurement.

FAQ wheat is fully developed and has a proper shine or luster. The main varieties of FAQ wheat are golden or pale yellow in colour, the grain is not dark and does not have any streaks.

It is properly dry and meets all nutritional conditions, the values of which are tested in the lab in case of doubt.

Click Here to read about Shrivelled Wheat

Source:  The post is based on the article “Explained: What is fair and average quality wheat, the norms for which have been relaxed by the government?” published in Indian Express on 17th May 2022.