In a significant relief measure for farmers in Madhya Pradesh, the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav in Bhopal, has approved a large-scale procurement plan for gram (chana) and lentil (masoor). The government has sanctioned a total outlay of ₹3,174 crore for the current financial year and the next three years. The decision covers the Rabi marketing seasons of 2026–27, 2027–28, and 2028–29, aiming to ensure better price support for pulse growers.
The primary objective of this initiative is to enable farmers to sell their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), protecting them from potential price drops in the open market. This move is expected to directly benefit farmers cultivating gram and lentils by ensuring stable and assured returns.
In an added relief, the state government has announced a waiver of mandi (market) fees on the procurement of gram and lentils. This step will reduce farmers’ transaction costs and improve their net earnings. The procurement will be carried out under the Government of India’s Price Support Scheme (PSS), with the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation assigned as the implementing agency. As per the plan, up to 25% of gram production and 100% of lentil production will be procured.
To ensure smooth execution of the scheme, the cabinet has also approved provisions for working capital. Against an estimated total cost of ₹7,050 crore, around 15% will be arranged as financial backing. This translates to approximately ₹1,058 crore per year in the form of government guarantees or advance funding. This mechanism is expected to streamline procurement operations and ensure timely payments to farmers.
The decision is likely to benefit farmers on multiple fronts. Along with assured MSP procurement, the waiver of mandi fees will provide additional financial relief. Experts believe such procurement interventions help shield farmers from market volatility and contribute to more stable farm incomes. The move is also expected to encourage higher pulse production in the state.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions:
Apart from agriculture, the cabinet approved several major initiatives focused on development and public welfare, with a total outlay of ₹16,720 crore across various schemes. A key highlight is the decision to establish the Financial Training and Research Institute (FTRI) in Bhopal, aimed at improving administrative efficiency and financial management.
Push for Infrastructure and Social Welfare:
The government has also sanctioned ₹5,215 crore for forest conservation and restoration, ₹2,952 crore for commercial tax department initiatives, and ₹590 crore for the expansion of the Ujjain airstrip. Additionally, enhanced hostel assistance for Scheduled Caste students and approval for the Mandsaur micro-irrigation project were among the key decisions.
FAQs:
1. What is MSP procurement?
MSP procurement is a system where the government buys crops from farmers at a fixed Minimum Support Price.
2. Which crops are covered under this scheme?
Gram (chana) and lentil (masoor) are covered under this MSP procurement plan.
3. How much budget is allocated?
The government has approved ₹3,174 crore for this scheme.
4. What is the benefit of mandi fee waiver?
It reduces farmers’ costs and increases their overall profit.
5. How will farmers benefit from this scheme?
Farmers will get assured MSP, timely payments, and protection from market price fluctuations.
