In Uttar Pradesh, wheat procurement in the cooperative sector has surged by 35% during the ongoing rabi marketing season, with 6.45 lakh metric tonnes procured so far, representing 44% of the target of 14.55 lakh metric tonnes. This increase is notable compared to last year's procurement of 4.77 lakh metric tonnes, which was only 13.45% of a much higher target of 35 lakh metric tonnes. The procurement process, which began on March 30 and will continue until June 15, has been enhanced by a strategic shift towards establishing procurement centres closer to farmers and employing mobile vans for direct purchases. Cooperative Commissioner Yogesh Kumar emphasized the improved accessibility and operational efficiency, which have made the process more farmer-friendly. Consequently, the number of participating farmers has risen from 105,708 to 133,576, a 26% increase. Saharanpur has recorded the highest procurement at 24,949 metric tonnes through 81 centres, while Sitapur managed 20,888 metric tonnes despite having 120 centres.