Modi government boosts farmer support with 100% pulses procurement
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on March 25, that the Modi government will procure 100% of tur, urad, and masoor at MSP until 2028-29, aiming for self-sufficiency in pulses.
The Modi government is doubling down on its farmer-first agenda, rolling out ambitious procurement plans to ensure self-sufficiency in pulses. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan detailed the initiatives, emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to buying 100% of key pulses at MSP through 2028-29, alongside extended schemes for other crops, to secure farmers’ livelihoods and reduce import reliance.
Pulses push: 100% procurement until 2028-29
Shivraj Singh Chouhan underscored the government’s resolve to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses, announcing that 100% of tur, urad, and masoor production will be procured at MSP for the next four years, until 2028-29. For 2024-25, tur procurement is already underway in major states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). “Self-sufficiency in pulses is our resolve,” Chouhan stated, noting the Budget 2025 commitment to this goal.
Tur procurement gains momentum
The Kharif 2024-25 season has seen robust tur procurement, with 2.46 lakh metric tonnes bought by March 25, 2025, benefiting 1,71,569 farmers across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. NAFED and NCCF are spearheading the effort, with Karnataka’s procurement window extended by 30 days to May 1. Chouhan highlighted that tur prices in Uttar Pradesh are currently above MSP, ensuring farmers’ gains.
Beyond pulses: Gram, mustard, and copra covered
The government’s support extends to other crops under the PM-Asha Yojana, extended till 2025-26. For RMS 2025, 27.99 lakh metric tonnes of gram, 28.28 lakh metric tonnes of mustard, and 9.40 lakh metric tonnes of lentil have been approved for procurement at MSP, targeting states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Tamil Nadu’s copra (milling and ball) procurement also got the green light, ensuring diverse farmer support.
Farmer-friendly measures: Simplified access and MSP assurance
Chouhan emphasized streamlined processes, with farmers using NAFED and NCCF portals for easy registration. He urged state governments to enforce MSP purchases, declaring, “There should be no purchase below MSP.” The minister reaffirmed the Centre’s unwavering commitment: “We will leave no stone unturned to benefit farmers.
