Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has approved the maize procurement policy under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme for the 2025-26 Kharif marketing season. The government has fixed the MSP for maize at ₹2,400 per quintal. The procurement drive will begin on June 15, 2026, and continue until July 31, 2026. The initiative aims to ensure fair prices for farmers and protect them from distress sales in the open market.
To facilitate smooth procurement operations, the state government will establish 150 maize procurement centers across 25 districts. These include Agra, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Aligarh, Kasganj, Hathras, Etah, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Rampur, Sambhal, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Kanpur Nagar, Auraiya, Etawah, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Hardoi, Unnao, Bahraich, Ballia, Gonda, Fatehpur, and Mirzapur. The government has set a procurement target of 25,000 metric tonnes of maize for the marketing season. Officials have been instructed to continuously monitor procurement activities to ensure that farmers do not face difficulties in selling their produce.
Farmers wishing to sell maize under the MSP scheme will be required to submit essential documents, including a computerized and verified land record, Aadhaar card, and a valid photo identity card. Additionally, verification of land ownership and sown area will be carried out online through the Bhulekh portal. The government believes that digital verification will enhance transparency, prevent fraudulent claims, and ensure that the benefits reach genuine farmers.
To ensure timely payments, the state government has introduced a streamlined payment mechanism. Payments for procured maize will be transferred directly to farmers' Aadhaar-linked and NPCI-mapped bank accounts through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). The government aims to complete payments within 48 hours of procurement, enabling farmers to access funds quickly for agricultural operations and preparations for the next cropping season.
Alongside the maize procurement policy, the Cabinet also approved a key proposal related to the livestock sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been cleared for establishing a Cow Shelter and Animal Service Centre in Jhansi. The project will be developed on approximately five acres of land belonging to the Animal Husbandry Department, in collaboration with a private organization. The facility is expected to strengthen animal welfare services, improve livestock care, and promote modern animal management practices in the region.
A Step towards Better Market Access and Farmer Welfare:
The new maize procurement policy is being viewed as an important measure to strengthen farmer incomes and provide assured market support. With transparent procurement procedures, digital verification, and prompt payments, the initiative is expected to boost farmer confidence and ensure that maize producers receive fair and remunerative prices for their harvest.
FAQs:
1. What is the MSP for maize in Uttar Pradesh for 2025-26?
The Uttar Pradesh government has fixed the MSP for maize at ₹2,400 per quintal for the Kharif marketing season 2025-26.
2. When will maize procurement start in Uttar Pradesh?
The maize procurement drive will begin on June 15, 2026, and continue until July 31, 2026.
The government will set up 150 maize procurement centers across 25 districts.
4. What documents are required for maize procurement under MSP?
Farmers must submit a verified land record, Aadhaar card, and a valid photo identity card.
5. How will farmers receive payment for procured maize?
Payments will be transferred directly to Aadhaar-linked and NPCI-mapped bank accounts through PFMS within 48 hours of procurement.
