The Indian government has taken a significant step to support farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the government will procure Moong and Urad pulses under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). This decision aims to guarantee fair prices for farmers and reduce the role of middlemen in the procurement process.
The procurement will ensure that farmers receive a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. This is especially important when market prices drop below the MSP. The aim is to protect farmers’ incomes and encourage them to continue farming.
The meeting where this decision was made included agriculture ministers from both states. They discussed various aspects of the procurement process. Chouhan emphasized the need for proper execution of the process to ensure that the intended benefits reach farmers directly. He stressed the importance of using modern technologies for the registration of farmers and improving the logistics of procurement.
Chouhan also pointed out that this initiative may place a financial burden on the central government. However, he assured that the government is committed to the welfare of farmers. He encouraged officials to address complaints regarding storage irregularities. It is crucial that the procurement process is transparent and effective, ensuring that farmers do not face exploitation.
The government has set up agencies, including NAFED and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), to facilitate the procurement. These agencies will operate on behalf of the central government, helping to streamline the process and ensure that farmers can sell their products without the interference of middlemen.
In addition to the procurement of Moong and Urad, the government has also extended the procurement window in Andhra Pradesh by 15 days. This extension is aimed at allowing more farmers to participate in the procurement drive, ensuring they can benefit from the MSP.
Overall, the government has approved the procurement of over 54,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Moong and more than 50,000 MT of groundnut under the PSS for the 2025–26 summer crop season. This effort is part of a larger strategy to support farmers and boost domestic agricultural production.
The procurement of pulses is vital for India, which aims to reduce its reliance on imports. The government has also committed to procuring 100 percent of key pulses like Tur, Urad, and Masur from state production in the coming years, ensuring that farmers are supported in their efforts to cultivate these crops.
The current procurement policies are set to continue until 2028-29. This long-term commitment from the government shows its dedication to promoting self-sufficiency in pulse production and encouraging crop diversification among farmers.
Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), the government provides various support schemes to farmers. These include the Price Support Scheme, Price Deficiency Payment Scheme, Market Intervention Scheme, and the Price Stabilisation Fund. Together, these schemes work to provide farmers with assured prices and protect them from market fluctuations, which can severely impact their livelihoods.
Farmers are encouraged to stay updated on the latest developments regarding procurement and support schemes. This will help them make informed decisions about their crops and sales.
In conclusion, the government’s approval of Moong and Urad procurement under the PSS marks an essential step towards supporting farmers in India. By ensuring fair prices and reducing middlemen, the government aims to empower farmers and secure their futures in agriculture.