In a significant move to safeguard farmer incomes and stabilize pulse prices, the Union Agriculture Ministry has approved the procurement of moong and urad under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The decision, announced on June 24, aims to ensure remunerative prices for pulse growers amid falling mandi rates and rising arrivals.
Direct Procurement to Eliminate Middlemen
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who chaired the high-level meeting, emphasized direct procurement from farmers to reduce the influence of middlemen and ensure that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) benefits reach the intended recipients. He also directed agencies like NAFED and NCCF to adopt technology-driven registration and expand procurement centers to ensure transparency and accessibility.
MSP Rates for 2025–26 Season
- Moong (Green Gram): ₹8,768 per quintal (up from ₹8,682 in 2024–25)
- Urad (Black Gram): ₹7,800 per quintal (₹400 hike from previous year)
The procurement will cover summer moong and urad in Madhya Pradesh and urad in Uttar Pradesh, following proposals from the respective state governments.
Addressing Storage Irregularities
Chouhan also raised concerns over storage infrastructure lapses and urged state officials to take concrete corrective measures. The Centre reiterated its commitment to farmer welfare, even as the procurement places a significant financial burden on the exchequer.
Long-Term Vision
The initiative aligns with the Centre’s broader goal of achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production and reducing import dependence. Under the extended PSS framework, the government will continue to procure pulses up to 100% of state production through central nodal agencies until 2028–29.
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