Focus on MSP Procurement Reforms
The meeting reviewed procurement operations under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF). The Minister assessed the current status of pulse and oilseed purchases and examined operational bottlenecks affecting efficiency.
Chouhan directed officials to make MSP procurement more robust, transparent and time-bound. He stressed that farmers must receive fair prices without delay and that procurement systems should function smoothly during peak arrival periods.
Strengthening Procurement Centres
The Minister emphasised the need to equip procurement centres with adequate infrastructure and trained personnel. He underlined that farmers should not face inconvenience while selling their produce at MSP centres.
Timely payments, clear communication regarding procurement schedules, and hassle-free processes were highlighted as essential elements. According to the Minister, strengthening farmers’ trust in the government procurement mechanism remains a top priority.
Push for Self-Reliance in Pulses
A significant portion of the meeting focused on boosting production and procurement of key pulses such as tur (arhar), urad and masoor. These crops are central to nutritional security and reducing India’s dependence on imports.
Discussions also covered the proposed six-year Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, aimed at increasing domestic output and ensuring assured MSP procurement. The mission seeks to make India self-reliant in pulses production, stabilise domestic prices and ensure sustained growth in farmers’ income.
Integrated Strategy for Higher Output
Under the proposed mission framework, officials discussed improving agronomic practices, ensuring availability of high-quality seeds and extending technical support to farmers. Strengthening marketing and procurement networks was also identified as a key component.
The Minister reiterated that freeing farmers from dependence on middlemen is a core objective. Direct linkage between farmers and government procurement agencies will ensure transparency and protect them from price exploitation.
Role of NAFED in Market Stability
The review meeting examined NAFED’s critical role in MSP procurement and price stabilisation. Chouhan stressed that the agency must operate with greater accountability and efficiency, especially during large-scale procurement drives.
He directed continuous monitoring of procurement operations and swift resolution of field-level challenges. Proactive procurement planning aligned with production estimates was described as essential to prevent price volatility and market disruptions.
Improving storage infrastructure also received attention. Adequate storage capacity ensures safe handling of pulses procured at MSP and supports price stabilisation efforts.
Senior Officials Present
The meeting was attended by senior ministry officials, including Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Secretary Pramod Kumar Mehrada, Additional Secretary Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, and NAFED Managing Director Deepak Agrawal. Officials briefed the Minister on procurement progress, logistical challenges and corrective measures being implemented.
The review underscores a renewed push toward self-reliance in pulses and stronger institutional mechanisms for MSP procurement. With improved coordination between the Centre, NAFED and state governments, the government aims to create a more responsive and farmer-centric procurement ecosystem.
