Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has urged state governments to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops, emphasizing that no purchase should be made below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Addressing a press conference at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, on March 27, 2025, he announced that the central government will procure the entire produce of tur, masoor, and urad at MSP. Farmers are required to register on the portals of NAFED and NCCF to benefit from the scheme.
Minister Chouhan stressed the importance of an effective and transparent procurement system at the state level, urging state governments to facilitate smooth procurement processes. He highlighted that the central government has authorized states to procure tur, masoor, and urad dal, with procurement already underway in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana through NAFED and NCCF. He appealed to all states to ensure the proper implementation of MSP-based procurement to safeguard farmers' interests.
Additionally, he announced that gram, mustard, and masoor will be procured under the PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan) scheme, which aims to provide fair prices to farmers and stabilize market rates. The government has also approved mustard procurement in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, along with copra procurement in Tamil Nadu. To simplify the registration process, the use of NAFED and NCCF portals has been mandated, ensuring transparency and accessibility for farmers.
During the Kharif 2024-25 season, states including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh have been approved for Tur procurement under the PSS. Notably, Karnataka's procurement period has been extended by 30 days until May 1, 2025, for the benefit of farmers.
As of March 25, 2025, 2.46 lakh metric tonnes of Tur (Arhar) have been procured in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, benefitting 1,71,569 farmers. Additionally, Chouhan pointed out that in Uttar Pradesh, the price of tur is currently above MSP.
The minister also confirmed the continuation of the PM-AASHA scheme until 2025-26, ensuring ongoing MSP purchases of pulses and oilseeds. For RMS 2025, the government has approved procurement of 27.99 lakh metric tonnes of gram, 28.28 lakh metric tonnes of mustard, and 9.40 lakh metric tonnes of lentils in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
The PM-AASHA scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring that farmers receive just prices for their produce while maintaining stable market supplies for consumers. Under its Price Support Scheme (PSS), the procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra that meet Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards is undertaken by Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) at MSP rates, directly benefiting pre-registered farmers.
To further encourage domestic pulse production and reduce reliance on imports, the government has earlier allowed the procurement of tur, urad, and masoor under PSS up to 100% of the state’s production for the 2024-25 procurement year.
