Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has approved the procurement of 337,000 metric tonnes of tur (arhar/pigeon pea) in Maharashtra under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). The procurement will involve an expenditure of approximately ₹2,696 crore at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi today.
During the meeting, the Union Minister held detailed discussions with Maharashtra’s Marketing Minister, Jaykumar Rawal, on arrangements related to the procurement process. Officials from NAFED, NCCF, and concerned state departments were issued necessary directions to ensure the smooth and timely execution of procurement operations.
The Minister stated that while the procurement of tur will place a significant financial burden on the central government, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains fully committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests. He reiterated that protecting farmers’ income and welfare continues to be the government’s highest priority.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the procurement process must be fully transparent and well-organized. Direct procurement from farmers will help curb the role of middlemen and ensure that the benefits of MSP reach genuine farmers. He also made it clear that any irregularities in procurement will not be tolerated.
The Minister instructed NAFED and NCCF to conduct the procurement process in close coordination with the state government. He also stressed the use of modern and efficient technology for proper farmer registration to maintain transparency throughout the process.
Expansion of Procurement Centres for Farmers’ Convenience: To ensure ease for farmers, the Minister directed officials to increase the number of procurement centres wherever required, so that farmers do not have to travel long distances or face inconvenience. He underlined that the procurement system should be simple, transparent, and farmer friendly.
FAQs:
Q1. How much tur will be procured under PSS in Maharashtra?
A total of 3.37 lakh metric tonnes of tur will be procured.
Q2. Which agencies will handle the procurement?
Procurement will be jointly carried out by NAFED and NCCF in coordination with the state government.
Q3. At what price will tur be procured?
Tur will be procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed by the government.
Q4. Will farmers have to sell through middlemen?
No, procurement will be directly from farmers to ensure full MSP benefits.
Q5. How will transparency be ensured?
Through technology-based farmer registration, increased procurement centres, and strict monitoring.
