Modi Govt Commits to 100% Pulse Procurement, Empowering Farmers: Shivraj Chouhan

Modi Government Strengthens Farmer Welfare with Bold Move for 100% Procurement of Pulses and Oilseeds Under MSP.

In a major step towards achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production and reinforcing its commitment to farmer welfare, the Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a series of bold initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. These measures are intended to uplift India’s agricultural sector, ensure fair pricing for farmers, and reduce the country's dependency on imports.

The Modi government, renowned for its pro-farmer policies, has taken yet another significant stride by committing to procure 100% of the production of key pulses—Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor (Lentils)—under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) during the procurement year 2024-25. This announcement comes as part of the broader resolve of the government to achieve complete self-sufficiency in pulses by 2028-29.

Massive Procurement Drive Across States

Highlighting the commitment of the Centre, Shri Chouhan stated that procurement of Tur (Arhar) under the PSS has already commenced in major Tur-producing states, including:

• Andhra Pradesh

• Chhattisgarh

• Gujarat

• Haryana

• Karnataka

• Madhya Pradesh

• Maharashtra

• Telangana

• Uttar Pradesh

The procurement is being carried out through central nodal agencies such as NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India). As of March 25, 2025, a total of 2.46 lakh metric tonnes of Tur has been procured from these states, directly benefiting 1,71,569 farmers.

In a supportive move, Karnataka has extended the procurement period from 90 days to 120 days, pushing the deadline to May 1, ensuring that no farmer is left behind due to time constraints.

Shri Chouhan also mentioned that the market price of Tur in Uttar Pradesh is currently above the MSP, reflecting the effectiveness of the procurement policy in stabilizing market rates and increasing farmer income.

Extension of PM-AASHA Yojana and Focus on Oilseeds

In another impactful announcement, the Union Minister confirmed the extension of the PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan) Yojana till 2025-26. This flagship scheme aims to guarantee MSP to farmers for pulses and oilseeds, including gram (chana) and mustard.

For the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025, the approved procurement targets are:

• Gram: 27.99 lakh metric tonnes

• Mustard: 28.28 lakh metric tonnes

• Lentil (Masoor): 9.40 lakh metric tonnes

The primary states involved in these procurements are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

In addition, the government has sanctioned the procurement of copra (both milling and ball types) in Tamil Nadu, further demonstrating the Centre's all-round approach to supporting farmers across various crops and regions.

Digitization and Transparency in Procurement

To simplify the procurement process and ensure greater transparency, the Government has encouraged farmers to register via NAFED and NCCF portals. These digital platforms are designed to make registration, monitoring, and payment processes more efficient, helping farmers avoid delays and bureaucracy.

The Agriculture Minister also made a strong appeal to all state governments to ensure that no agricultural produce is purchased below the MSP. "Our aim is to protect the interests of our Annadata (food providers), and we will leave no stone unturned to achieve this noble goal," he emphasized.

Strategic Vision for Agricultural Independence

This nationwide procurement plan is not merely about offering financial support; it’s a strategic move toward agricultural self-reliance. By increasing domestic pulse production, the government aims to significantly reduce India’s import bills, stabilize food prices, and secure food availability.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan affirmed, “The Modi government stands firmly with farmers. These steps reflect our long-term vision to build a resilient, self-sustaining, and empowered farming community in India.”

As the Kharif 2024-25 season approaches, farmers across the country are assured of guaranteed returns on their efforts, backed by a transparent, accountable, and farmer-first procurement policy. The government’s proactive and inclusive approach underscores its unwavering resolve to transform Indian agriculture into a globally competitive and self-reliant sector.