Extended Procurement Periods Bring Relief to Maharashtra Farmers

The Centre has extended procurement periods for tur and chana in Maharashtra for the 2025-26 season and increased chana procurement targets, benefiting local farmers. The decision, influenced by state requests, ensures timely farmer payments and allows usage of both new and used jute bags, enhancing procurement transparency.

The central government has granted Maharashtra farmers an extension for the procurement periods of tur (pigeon pea) and chana (chickpea), delighting the state's agricultural community. The move, aimed at benefiting farmers, follows requests from Maharashtra's state government.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the extension, pushing the tur procurement deadline to May 31 and chana to May 29, 2026. With an increased chana procurement target by 58,632 metric tonnes, the new total target now stands at 8,19,882 metric tonnes.

The process includes transparent procurement through designated agencies and direct farmer payments. The decision, supported by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, underscores the government's commitment to addressing farmer needs while utilizing both new and used jute bags for collection.