The Impressive TimesNEW DELHI, 27 MAR 2025: Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Modi government is a farmer-friendly government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government is continuously working with full commitment for the betterment of farmers. In this direction, the procurement of farmers’ produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is also being carried out.
Shri Chouhan stated that achieving self-reliance in pulses is our resolution, and in line with this, the procurement of tur (pigeon pea) in major producing states has gained momentum. To boost domestic production of pulses, encourage farmers, and reduce dependence on imports, the government has approved the procurement of tur, urad, and masoor under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the 2024-25 procurement year at 100% of state production.
He informed that in Budget 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s government also announced that to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses, 100% procurement of tur (arhar), urad, and masoor will be carried out for the next four years until 2028-29. During the Kharif 2024-25 season, the government has approved the procurement of tur (arhar) under the Price Support Scheme in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, in the interest of farmers, the procurement period in Karnataka has been extended by 30 days, until May 1, beyond the initial 90-day period.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan further informed that procurement at MSP through NAFED and NCCF is ongoing in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. As of March 25, 2025, a total of 2.46 lakh metric tons of tur (arhar) has been procured in these states, benefiting 1,71,569 farmers. He also mentioned that the price of tur in Uttar Pradesh is currently above the MSP.
The Union Agriculture Minister emphasized that the Government of India is committed to procuring 100% of tur through central nodal agencies. Similarly, the procurement of chana (gram), mustard, and masoor has been approved for RMS 2025. The PM-AASHA scheme has been extended until 2025-26, ensuring continued procurement of pulses and oilseeds at MSP. For RMS 2025, the approved procurement quantity for chana is 27.99 lakh metric tons, and for mustard, it is 28.28 lakh metric tons, with major producing states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The approved procurement quantity for masoor is 9.40 lakh metric tons. Additionally, the procurement of copra (milling and ball) has been approved in Tamil Nadu.
To simplify the registration and procurement process for farmers, the government has ensured the use of NAFED and NCCF portals. Shri Chouhan also appealed to all state governments to ensure that no procurement takes place below the MSP. He reiterated that the central government’s objective is to benefit farmers, and they will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling this noble purpose.
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