Karnataka Farmers Rejoice: Centre Steps Up with Massive Crop Procurement at MSP!

In a significant boost for Karnataka's agricultural sector, the Union government has announced a comprehensive plan to procure substantial quantities of green gram (moong), black gram (urad), and sunflower from farmers across the state. This welcome move, confirmed by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, aims to provide robust support and ensure fair prices for farmers' hard-earned produce.

The procurement drive, set to continue until October 31, will be executed through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).

These agencies will play a crucial role in facilitating the purchase of crops directly from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), offering a much-needed safety net against market fluctuations.

Specifically, the Centre is committed to procuring an impressive 38,750 tonnes of green gram, a staple pulse crop.

Additionally, 30,000 tonnes of black gram and 10,000 tonnes of sunflower will also be bought from Karnataka's farmers. This extensive procurement plan underscores the government's dedication to strengthening the agricultural economy and enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted the positive impact this initiative will have during his interactions with farmers and state officials in Hubballi.

He assured the agricultural community that the Centre is committed to ensuring they receive a remunerative price for their crops, dispelling concerns about potential price drops or oversupply.

This proactive step by the Central government comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's persistent appeals for intervention to support the state's farmers.

The collaborative effort between state and union governments demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by cultivators and fostering a more stable and prosperous agricultural environment.

For farmers, this announcement brings immense relief and optimism. The assurance of MSP-based procurement means they can cultivate their crops with greater confidence, knowing that their efforts will be justly rewarded, thereby reducing financial anxieties and encouraging sustained agricultural productivity.

This measure is expected to inject significant capital into the rural economy, promoting overall growth and stability in Karnataka's agrarian landscape.