Centre Intervenes: Potato Procurement Surge in UP, Boosting Farmer Income Across States
The Central government has initiated a multi-state procurement push, clearing massive potato purchases in Uttar Pradesh. These measures aim to safeguard farmers against distress sales and ensure they receive remunerative prices for their crops. The Ministry of Agriculture has rolled out key decisions covering potatoes, gram, and tur across several Indian states.Mega Procurement Drive Initiated in Uttar Pradesh
As a major intervention to stabilize the potato market, the Centre approved the procurement of 20 lakh tonnes of potatoes in Uttar Pradesh. The market intervention price set for this massive purchase is Rs 6,500.90 per tonne.This large-scale effort is projected to cost the exchequer Rs 203.15 crore. The action forms part of a broader policy commitment to protect agricultural stakeholders from unfavorable pricing in spot markets.
Support Measures Boost Gram and Tur Procurement
In addition to potatoes, the Union Agriculture Ministry also adjusted key procurement limits in two other states. In Andhra Pradesh, the procurement limit for gram has been significantly raised. The new cap is set at 1.13 lakh tonnes, an increase from the previous limit of 94,500 tonnes.For Karnataka, farmers selling tur have received crucial extended support. The procurement window under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) has been extended until May 15. This extension provides tur farmers additional time to sell their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Ensuring Fair Prices: The Policy Rationale
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved these proposals following a virtual meeting with state agriculture ministers and senior officials. The decisions address recurring concerns regarding farmers receiving prices below the MSP.The ministry stated that the measures are specifically aimed at ensuring farmers receive a fair price. They aim to prevent any situation where producers are compelled to sell their crops at distressingly low prices, particularly during peak harvest seasons. The Karnataka extension, for instance, is expected to allow a larger number of tur farmers better access to these remunerative pricing mechanisms.
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