Millets for food processors: a sourcing guide to bajra, jowar and ragi
Harvest seasons, growing regions, quality checks and packing for the three millets food brands buy most.
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Quality & specifications
Bulk wheat quality specifications explained: moisture, foreign matter and hectolitre weight
The parameters on a wheat quality report, what they mean for your yield and price, and the limits to write into your purchase order.
Two wheat lots at the same price can give very different yields. The difference is almost always in the wheat quality specifications: moisture, foreign matter, damaged grains and grain density. Here is what each parameter on a quality report means, and the limits to write into your purchase order.
Moisture
Moisture affects both storage life and the real price you pay, because water is sold at the price of grain. For storage and milling, ask for 12% or lower. Lots above 13% should be priced lower or rejected, especially before the monsoon.
Foreign matter and other food grains
Foreign matter covers dust, stones, straw and chaff. Other food grains are seeds of other crops such as barley or mustard. Cleaned and graded wheat typically has foreign matter below 0.75% and other grains below 2%. Machine-cleaned (sortexed) lots cost slightly more but save cleaning losses at your mill.
Damaged, shrivelled and broken grains
- Damaged grains (sprouted, fungus-affected, heat-damaged) reduce flour quality and colour. Aim for 2% or less.
- Shrivelled and broken grains lower extraction. Aim for 3–6% depending on the grade.
- Weevilled grains indicate poor storage. Ask for 1% or less.
Hectolitre weight and protein
Hectolitre weight (kg per 100 litres) shows how plump and well-filled the grain is. Good milling wheat is usually 76 kg/hl or more. Protein (typically 10–13% for Indian wheat) matters most for bakery flour; ask for a lab figure if you supply biscuit or bread makers.
Putting wheat quality specifications into your purchase order
Write the limits you need into the PO and agree on a sampling method at loading. A clear specification protects both sides and avoids disputes on arrival. Every lot of our milling-grade wheat and Sharbati wheat is dispatched with a quality report, and samples are available before you order.
Not sure which grade you need? Read how to choose milling wheat, or share your specification and we will match a lot to it.
Frequently asked questions
What moisture is acceptable in wheat?
Most buyers accept up to 12% moisture for storage and milling. Higher moisture raises the risk of fungus and insects, and you also pay for water instead of grain.
What is hectolitre weight?
It is the weight of 100 litres of grain, in kg. Plump, well-filled wheat usually shows 76 kg/hl or more and gives better flour extraction.