The Government of India has made a significant decision to aid farmers in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. For the summer crop season of 2025-26, the government has approved the procurement of 54,166 metric tonnes of moong under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). This initiative aims to encourage pulse production in the country.
In addition, farmers in Uttar Pradesh will benefit from the approval of 50,750 metric tonnes of groundnut procurement under the same scheme. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic crop production while reducing reliance on imports.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, confirmed these approvals in a recent meeting. He also announced an extension of the procurement period for red gram (tur/arhar) in Andhra Pradesh by 15 days, now running until June 26, 2025. This extension is designed to support farmers in that state.
The government is focused on boosting domestic pulse production. As part of this effort, procurement of tur, urad, and masur pulses will be allowed up to 100% of the production in the respective states for the procurement year 2024-25. This measure aims to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops, protecting their income from market fluctuations.
The initiative is backed by the Union Budget 2025, which announced that this procurement programme will continue for an additional four years, until 2028-29. Central Nodal Agencies like NAFED and NCCF will handle the procurement, aiming for national self-sufficiency in pulse production.
The PSS is activated when market prices for notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra drop below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during peak harvesting times. This ensures that farmers can sell their produce at a guaranteed price, providing them with stability and security.
Overall, the government’s commitment through the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) integrates various schemes to support farmers. These include the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), and Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF). Together, these initiatives aim to create a more robust agricultural economy in India.
Farmers in the targeted states can look forward to these changes as they prepare for the upcoming crop season. With the government’s backing, many hope for an increase in both production and fair pricing for their hard work. This initiative not only uplifts farmers but also strengthens the country’s agricultural framework, making it more resilient to external shocks and market dynamics.
As the summer season approaches, farmers are encouraged to stay informed about these developments to make the most of the opportunities presented by the government’s initiatives. The support from the government is crucial for many, and this scheme is expected to have a positive impact on the agricultural landscape in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.