Emergency Sovereign Procurement: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Approves ₹1,490 Crore PSS Boost for Pulses and Oilseeds

Introduction

In a significant intervention aimed at protecting farmers from distress sales and strengthening Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved a large-scale procurement drive under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).

The approval covers major pulse and oilseed-producing states, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as the biggest beneficiary. The total value of the approved procurement package for Uttar Pradesh alone exceeds ₹1,490 crore, signaling one of the most substantial MSP-backed procurement actions of the season.

The decision is expected to provide direct income support to thousands of pulse and oilseed farmers while stabilizing market prices across key agricultural regions.

What Has Been Approved Under the PSS?

The Government has sanctioned procurement of key crops under the MSP framework to ensure farmers receive remunerative prices.

Uttar Pradesh Receives the Largest Allocation

For the Summer 2026 season, the approved procurement quantities include:

• 48,298 MT of Moong
• 97,970 MT of Urad
• 41,718 MT of Groundnut

The total MSP value of these approvals exceeds ₹1,490 crore, making Uttar Pradesh the single largest beneficiary under the latest procurement package.

Other States Covered

The procurement approvals also extend to:

• Gujarat: 18,250 MT of Moong
• Tamil Nadu: Enhanced Moong procurement target increased to 990 MT
• Haryana: 2,115 MT of Moong approved for procurement

These approvals are intended to strengthen MSP implementation and provide farmers with a reliable market channel.

Why This Procurement Drive Matters

Protection Against Distress Sales

Farmers often face sharp price declines immediately after harvest due to oversupply in local markets.

Through PSS procurement:

• Government agencies purchase produce at MSP.
• Farmers receive assured prices.
• Market volatility is reduced.
• Rural incomes become more stable.

Strengthening Pulse and Oilseed Production

India continues to prioritize self-reliance in pulses and edible oils.

Large-scale procurement creates confidence among farmers to:

• Expand acreage.
• Adopt improved cultivation practices.
• Invest in better inputs and technologies.
• Continue producing strategic crops.

Supporting National Food Security

Pulses are a major source of protein for Indian households, while oilseeds are critical for edible oil production.

By ensuring remunerative prices, the government supports long-term production sustainability and reduces dependency on imports.

Impact on Uttar Pradesh Farmers

Increased Income Security

The procurement package provides a guaranteed marketing channel for farmers cultivating:

• Moong
• Urad
• Groundnut

This reduces uncertainty and improves financial planning.

Better Market Confidence

When MSP procurement is active and adequately funded, farmers gain confidence that their produce will not be sold below economically viable rates.

Encouragement for Crop Diversification

The initiative may encourage farmers to diversify beyond traditional cereal crops and increase cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, improving soil health and long-term farm profitability.

What This Means for India's Agricultural Strategy

The procurement decision reflects a broader policy direction focused on:

MSP-Backed Farmer Protection

Government procurement remains a critical safety net for producers facing volatile markets.

Promotion of Protein and Oilseed Crops

Expanding pulse and oilseed production remains central to reducing import dependence and strengthening food security.

Rural Economic Stability

Higher procurement volumes can improve cash flow in rural economies and support local agricultural ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

• Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the largest beneficiary under the latest PSS approvals.
• Procurement worth more than ₹1,490 crore has been sanctioned for moong, urad, and groundnut.
• Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana will also receive procurement support.
• The initiative aims to prevent distress sales and strengthen MSP implementation.
• Pulse and oilseed farmers are expected to receive greater income security and market stability.

Conclusion

The latest Price Support Scheme approvals demonstrate the government's continued commitment to protecting farmer incomes and strengthening India's pulse and oilseed ecosystem. With Uttar Pradesh receiving the largest procurement allocation, the initiative could significantly influence farmer confidence, market stability, and crop diversification in the coming season.

As MSP-backed procurement expands, farmers, agripreneurs, trainers, and agricultural businesses should closely monitor emerging opportunities across the pulse and oilseed value chain.

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Q1. What is the Price Support Scheme (PSS)?

The Price Support Scheme is a government procurement mechanism under which designated agencies purchase agricultural produce at the Minimum Support Price to protect farmers from distress sales.

Q2. Which state received the largest benefit under the latest procurement approval?

Uttar Pradesh received the largest allocation, with procurement approvals worth more than ₹1,490 crore.

Q3. Which crops are covered under the Uttar Pradesh procurement package?

The package includes moong, urad, and groundnut.

Q4. Why is MSP procurement important for farmers?

MSP procurement ensures farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price even when market prices decline.

Q5. Which other states received procurement approvals?

Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana also received approvals under the latest PSS procurement package.

Q6. How can farmers benefit from AGRIBOZ?

Farmers can access training, workshops, market intelligence, networking opportunities, and agricultural business resources through AGRIBOZ.