Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the central government is farmer-friendly and continuously working with full commitment for the betterment of farmers. He said that in this direction, the work of purchasing the produce from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is also being done. Mr. Chouhan said that State governments should ensure that there is no purchase below MSP.
Mr. Chouhan informed that procurement is continuing at MSP in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. He added that, as of the 25th of this month, a total of 2.46 lakh metric tons of tur have been procured in these states, benefiting over 1.71 lakh farmers. He said that the price of tur in Uttar Pradesh is currently running above MSP. The Minister also emphasised that the work of purchasing the produce from farmers at MSP is being done.
Mr. Chouhan said that in order to increase the domestic production of pulses, encourage farmers, and reduce dependence on imports, the government has approved the procurement of tur, urad, and lentils under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) at 100 percent of state production for the procurement year 2024-25. He also added that the government is committed to purchasing 100 percent of tur from farmers through central nodal agencies.