In a significant move to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and curb distress sales, the Union Government has approved key procurement decisions covering sunflower in Karnataka and gram in Maharashtra. The decisions, cleared by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, are expected to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) support exceeding Rs 4,886.46 crore.
Sunflower Procurement Cleared in Karnataka
Acting on a proposal from the Karnataka government, the Centre has sanctioned procurement of 9,023 metric tonnes of sunflower under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the Rabi 2026 season. The MSP value of this procurement is estimated at over Rs 69.66 crore.
The decision is expected to provide crucial price assurance to sunflower growers, particularly at a time when market fluctuations often compel farmers to sell below MSP. With procurement support in place, farmers are likely to be shielded from distress sales and receive fair value for their produce.
Gram Procurement Limit Raised in Maharashtra
In a parallel move, the Centre has approved an increase in the maximum procurement limit of gram in Maharashtra to 8,19,882 metric tonnes for the Rabi 2025–26 season. The MSP value of this decision exceeds Rs 4,816.80 crore.
Additionally, the procurement window for gram has been extended by 30 days, allowing purchases to continue until May 29, 2026. The extension is expected to benefit farmers who were unable to sell within the earlier deadline, enabling wider access to MSP operations.
These decisions are aimed at protecting farmers from price volatility and ensuring that they are not forced into unfavourable market transactions. By expanding procurement limits and extending timelines, the government seeks to create a more stable and predictable environment for agricultural producers.
The measures are also expected to enhance farmer confidence in the procurement system while providing direct financial relief.