New Delhi, May 5: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday approved key procurement measures under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime, extending support worth over ₹4,886 crore to farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The decisions include approval for procurement of 9,023 metric tonnes of sunflower in Karnataka for the Rabi 2026 season and a significant increase in the procurement limit for gram in Maharashtra to 8.19 lakh metric tonnes for the Rabi 2025–26 season.
Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices for farmers and preventing distress sale of agricultural produce amid fluctuating market conditions.
Sunflower procurement cleared in Karnataka
Acting on a proposal from the Karnataka government, the Centre has sanctioned procurement of sunflower under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), with an MSP value exceeding ₹69.66 crore.
The decision is expected to provide price assurance to sunflower growers, many of whom face pressure to sell produce below MSP due to market volatility. Officials noted that the approval would strengthen farmer confidence and stabilise returns during the ongoing season.
Gram procurement limit raised in Maharashtra
In a separate decision, the minister approved an increase in the procurement ceiling for gram in Maharashtra to 8,19,882 metric tonnes. The MSP value of this procurement is estimated at over ₹4,816.80 crore.
The government has also extended the procurement period for gram by 30 days, allowing purchases to continue until May 29, 2026. The extension is expected to enable more farmers to access MSP benefits, especially those who were unable to sell within the earlier timeframe.
Focus on preventing distress sales
Chouhan said the government remains committed to protecting farmers from distress sales and ensuring fair value for their produce. “Ensuring remunerative prices for farmers is our priority, and these decisions will help safeguard their interests,” he said.
The expanded procurement operations and extended timelines are expected to create a more predictable market environment and reduce farmers’ vulnerability to price fluctuations.
Reinforcing farmer-centric policies
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare said the measures reflect the Centre’s ongoing efforts, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to make procurement systems more effective and farmer-centric.
Officials added that the decisions would not only provide direct financial relief to farmers in the two states but also strengthen confidence in the MSP mechanism, contributing to long-term stability in the agricultural sector.
