Centre Expands MSP Support for Farmers: Sunflower Procurement in Karnataka, Gram Limit Boost in Maharashtra

Responding to a proposal from the Karnataka government, the Centre has approved the procurement of 9,023 metric tonnes of sunflower under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the Rabi 2026 season.

In a major policy push aimed at strengthening farm incomes and preventing distress sales, the Union Government has approved expanded procurement of key Rabi crops under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework, with decisions expected to channel over ₹4,886 crore directly into the hands of farmers.

Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has sanctioned sunflower procurement in Karnataka and significantly increased the procurement limit for gram in Maharashtra, reinforcing the Centre's commitment to ensuring remunerative prices and stabilising agricultural markets.

Sunflower Procurement Approved in Karnataka

Responding to a proposal from the Karnataka government, the Centre has approved the procurement of 9,023 metric tonnes of sunflower under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the Rabi 2026 season.

The move, valued at over ₹69.66 crore, is expected to provide crucial relief to sunflower farmers who often face volatile market prices and are forced to sell produce below cost during peak arrivals.

By ensuring MSP-backed procurement, the government aims to:

• Protect farmers from distress sales

• Guarantee fair and remunerative prices

• Strengthen confidence in oilseed cultivation

The decision is particularly significant as India seeks to boost domestic oilseed production and reduce dependence on imports.

Maharashtra Gets Major Boost in Gram Procurement

In a parallel move, the Centre has increased the maximum procurement limit of gram (chana) in Maharashtra to 8,19,882 metric tonnes for the Rabi 2025–26 season.

This decision alone carries an MSP value of over ₹4,816.80 crore, making it one of the largest procurement support measures for pulses in recent times.

To further ease farmer participation, the government has also extended the procurement window by 30 days, allowing purchases to continue until May 29, 2026.

The extension is expected to benefit thousands of farmers who were unable to sell their produce earlier due to logistical constraints or delayed arrivals.

Tackling Distress Sales and Market Volatility

Both decisions are aimed at addressing a long-standing challenge in Indian agriculture—distress selling due to price fluctuations and limited procurement windows.

By expanding procurement volumes and timelines, the government is creating a more predictable and secure market environment, enabling farmers to:

• Access MSP benefits more effectively

• Avoid selling at below-market prices

• Plan production with greater confidence

Strengthening Rural Incomes and Agricultural Stability

The combined MSP support exceeding ₹4,886 crore is expected to have a direct impact on rural incomes, particularly in regions heavily dependent on Rabi crops.

Economists note that such interventions not only provide immediate financial relief but also contribute to:

• Increased rural purchasing power

• Higher agricultural investment

• Improved crop diversification

Government's Continued Focus on Farmer Welfare

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has reiterated that ensuring remunerative prices and income stability for farmers remains a top priority.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the government has been working to make procurement systems more:

• Farmer-centric

• Transparent

• Efficient

The latest approvals reflect a broader strategy to expand MSP operations and strengthen the agricultural safety net.

Building Long-Term Trust in the MSP System

Beyond immediate relief, these measures are expected to reinforce trust in the MSP mechanism—a critical pillar of India's agricultural policy.

By ensuring timely procurement and expanding coverage, the government aims to create a more resilient agricultural ecosystem capable of withstanding market shocks and supporting sustainable growth.

The decisions are likely to benefit farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra directly, while also sending a strong signal of policy support to the wider farming community across the country.