New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured farmers that the government is committed to purchasing 100% of tur (arhar) from farmers through central nodal agencies. He emphasized that no agricultural produce should be purchased below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and urged state governments to ensure strict compliance.
Chouhan highlighted that procurement is actively underway through NAFED and NCCF in key tur-producing states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. As of March 25, 2025, 2.46 lakh metric tonnes of tur have been procured, benefiting over 1.71 lakh farmers.
Reaffirming the government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in pulses, Chouhan stated that the PM-Asha scheme has been extended until 2025-26, ensuring the continued purchase of pulses and oilseeds at MSP. Under this initiative, the government has approved procurement of gram (27.99 lakh metric tonnes), mustard (28.28 lakh metric tonnes), and lentils (9.40 lakh metric tonnes) for the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025. Additionally, copra procurement has been sanctioned in Tamil Nadu.
Chouhan also cited the 2025 Union Budget announcement, which guarantees the procurement of 100% of the state’s tur, urad, and masoor production for the next four years, until 2028-29. The procurement window for Karnataka has been extended by 30 days, allowing purchases until May 1.
The minister reassured farmers that the government remains committed to their welfare, ensuring a stable and profitable market for their produce. He urged farmers to use the NAFED and NCCF portals for a seamless procurement process.
“Our aim is to benefit farmers, and we will leave no stone unturned to fulfill this noble objective,” Chouhan asserted.
The post “No Purchase Below MSP, Govt Committed to 100% Procurement of Pulses”: Shivraj Singh Chouhan appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
