Government Approves MSP Procurement of Chana, Mustard and Lentils for Rabi 2025 to Support Farmers

To ensure that Indian farmers receive fair prices for their Rabi crops, the Central Government has taken a major step by approving the procurement of pulses and oilseeds at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). The decision was announced by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who stressed that no farmer should be forced to sell their crops below MSP.

Under this plan, the government will purchase chana (gram), masoor (lentils), and mustard (sarson) through NAFED and NCCF, giving a major boost to farmer income and rural agriculture markets.

What Has Been Approved for Procurement?

For the 2025 Rabi marketing season, the government has approved procurement of the following quantities:

• Chana (gram): 27.99 lakh tonnes

• Masoor (lentils): 9.40 lakh tonnes

• Mustard (sarson): 28.28 lakh tonnes

This procurement will be carried out under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) using the services of central nodal agencies, mainly NAFED and NCCF.

Farmers from These States Will Benefit the Most

This procurement plan will especially benefit farmers from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat – the leading states for the cultivation of gram, mustard, and lentils. By ensuring MSP procurement, the government is directly supporting small and marginal farmers in these key agricultural regions.

Why This Procurement Matters

This MSP procurement is not just about numbers. It reflects the government’s intent to:

• Ensure farmers get remunerative prices

• Protect farmers from price crashes during harvest season

• Achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds

• Strengthen rural economy and farm sustainability

Tur Procurement: A Strong Push for Kharif Pulse Farmers

The government is also running an aggressive procurement campaign for Kharif pulses, especially tur (arhar), to stabilize prices and support growers. Here's what has been achieved so far:

• 46 lakh tonnes of tur has already been procured at MSP.

• Over 71 lakh farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana have benefited.

• In Karnataka, the tur procurement window has been extended by 30 days and will now run until May 1, 2025.

• In Uttar Pradesh, tur prices are currently above the MSP, and hence procurement isn’t necessary.

This is part of the government’s promise to procure 100% of tur, urad, and masoor at MSP if market prices fall below the support price. This commitment will continue for the next four years, till 2028-29.

Government's Commitment to Farmers

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called this mission a “sacred responsibility” and urged state governments to ensure strict MSP enforcement. He said the government is using technology and online platforms like NAFED and NCCF portals to make registration and procurement smoother and more transparent for farmers.

Record Procurement of Soybean in Kharif Season

The government also purchased record volumes of soybean under MSP in the 2024 Kharif season after market prices dropped. This shows the government's continuous efforts to protect farmer incomes across both Rabi and Kharif crops.

Digital Platforms to Help Farmers Register for MSP

To simplify the MSP procurement process, the government is encouraging digital registration through NAFED and NCCF portals. Farmers can now:

• Register easily without paperwork

• Track their crop procurement

• Receive timely payment directly into their bank accounts

This step improves transparency, reduces middlemen, and ensures faster payments.

Conclusion: A Strong Step for Farmer Welfare

The Centre’s decision to procure over 65 lakh tonnes of pulses and mustard at MSP during the 2025 Rabi season is a bold and positive move. It assures farmers that their hard work will be valued with fair market prices, and their income will be protected. With continued government support, India is moving steadily towards self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds while empowering its farming community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. What crops are being procured under the MSP scheme for Rabi 2025?

Ans:-The government will procure chana (27.99 lakh tonnes), lentils (9.40 lakh tonnes), and mustard (28.28 lakh tonnes) under the Price Support Scheme.

Q2. Which states will benefit from this MSP procurement?

Ans:- Farmers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat will benefit the most, as these are the major producers of chana, mustard, and lentils.

Q3. Is the government also buying Kharif pulses like tur?

Ans:- Yes, tur procurement is ongoing in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana, benefiting over 1.7 lakh farmers so far.

Q4. How can farmers register for MSP procurement?

Ans:- Farmers can register through NAFED and NCCF online portals, ensuring an easy and transparent procurement process.

Q5. How long will tur be procured in Karnataka?

Ans:- The government has extended the tur procurement period in Karnataka by 30 days, up to May 1, 2025.