The central government has approved the proposal of the Uttar Pradesh government to procure 20 lakh tonnes of potatoes in the state. In addition, it has also approved an increase in the procurement quantity of chana in Andhra Pradesh and an extension of the procurement period for tur (arhar) in Karnataka. Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, granted these approvals during a virtual meeting with agriculture ministers and senior officials of the concerned states on Saturday. Preparations for the upcoming kharif season were also reviewed in the meeting.
Uttar Pradesh: Approval for Procurement of 20 Lakh Tonnes of Potatoes
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has approved the Uttar Pradesh government’s proposal for potato procurement under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for the year 2025–26. A total of 20 lakh tonnes of potatoes will be procured in the state at a price of Rs 6,500.9 per tonne. The Government of India’s estimated share in this decision will be Rs 203.15 crore.
According to an official statement from the ministry, this decision will help ensure remunerative prices for potato farmers in Uttar Pradesh and prevent distress sales at lower market rates.
Andhra Pradesh: Chana Procurement Limit Increased to 113,250 Metric Tonnes
The Union Agriculture Minister has approved the Andhra Pradesh government’s proposal to enhance chana (Bengal gram) procurement under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) to 113,250 metric tonnes for the Rabi 2025–26 season. Earlier, approval was granted for procurement of 94,500 tonnes. The decision is expected to provide relief to chana-growing farmers in the state.
Karnataka: Tur Procurement Extended Till May 15, 2026
In Karnataka, the procurement period for tur (arhar) under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the Kharif 2025-26 season has been extended by 30 days. The procurement will now continue until May 15, 2026, giving farmers additional time to sell their produce at MSP.
Review of Kharif Preparations
Chouhan also conducted a high-level review of preparations for the upcoming Kharif season and directed the Agriculture Secretary and senior officials to make necessary arrangements in a timely manner. The meeting discussed weather forecasts, water availability, crop conditions, arrangements for seeds and other agricultural inputs, state-level preparedness, and action plans to deal with possible adverse weather conditions. The Agriculture Minister stated that the government is prepared to handle the potential impact of El Niño.
The Meteorological Department has expressed the possibility of a below-normal southwest monsoon this year. Seasonal rainfall across the country is estimated to be around 92 percent of the long-term average. It has been indicated that El Niño conditions may develop during the monsoon season, although the final and updated assessment will be released in the last week of May 2026. The meeting also noted that reservoir water levels in the country are satisfactory, currently at 127.01 percent of the normal level.
During the review, it was also highlighted that between 2000 and 2016, the impact of El Niño on agricultural production was more pronounced, as dependence on rainfall was higher and systems to manage climate risks were less developed compared to today. In recent years, technological advancements, improved farm management practices, water conservation, expansion of irrigation networks, and the use of improved seeds have brought greater stability to crop productivity.
The Agriculture Minister instructed officials to ensure that all states are fully prepared to deal with any adverse weather conditions and that contingency plans are activated down to the district level. He emphasized the need to ensure availability of seeds, fertilizers, and other essential agricultural inputs, along with promoting alternative crops, delayed sowing strategies, and drought-resistant varieties so that farmers can access practical and timely solutions.