In a significant decision aimed at supporting farmers, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, approved the procurement of Moong and Urad in Madhya Pradesh and Urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). The decision was announced during a meeting held on June 24 in New Delhi, where procurement strategies were discussed with agriculture ministers from both states. Shri Chouhan also issued key directives to NAFED, NCCF, and state officials for effective implementation.
Shri Chouhan emphasized that while this step may increase the financial burden on the central government, the welfare of farmers remains the top priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He underlined the importance of a transparent procurement process, stating that only a fair and direct approach can ensure real benefits reach the farmers.
He instructed officials to leverage modern technologies for farmer registration and to increase the number of procurement centers if required. He also stressed minimizing the role of middlemen by ensuring direct procurement from farmers.
During the meeting, Shri Chouhan expressed concern over complaints related to storage irregularities and called for immediate corrective actions. He assured Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister that the central government will take all possible steps in the best interest of farmers.
Following a formal proposal from the Madhya Pradesh government, the Ministry evaluated the request and approved the procurement of summer pulses – Moong and Urad under the PSS. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh has been granted approval for Urad procurement under the same scheme.
Key Officials Present: The meeting was attended by Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Shri Aidal Singh Kansana, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, and other senior officials from central and state governments.
