Tur MSP procurement active, 2.56 lakh farmers benefit

New Delhi

The central government’s procurement of tur (arhar) at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is progressing actively in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. As of April 22, around 3.92 lakh metric tonnes of tur have been purchased, benefiting over 2.56 lakh farmers, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

Procurement is being carried out by central agencies NAFED and NCCF through the e-Samridhi and eSamyukti portals, with the government assuring 100% procurement of tur offered by farmers at MSP.

To boost domestic pulse production and reduce import dependence, the Centre has approved 100% MSP procurement of tur, urad, and masur for 2024-25 under the Price Support Scheme. This initiative will continue until 2028-29, as announced in the Budget 2025, aiming to make India self-reliant in pulses.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved tur procurement for Kharif 2024-25 across nine states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, for a total of 13.22 lakh metric tonnes. In Andhra Pradesh, the procurement period has been extended by 30 days, until May 22, to support farmers.

This move ensures farmers receive fair prices for their produce, reducing market risks. As the government guarantees to buy the entire stock at MSP, private buyers must also offer competitive prices, strengthening farmers' earnings.