Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a meeting in New Delhi today, where he approved the procurement of Moong and Urad in Madhya Pradesh, and Urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). He also discussed logistics for the procurement process with the respective state agriculture ministers and provided necessary instructions to NAFED, NCCF, and state officials.
The approval came after a proposal from the Madhya Pradesh government, which was reviewed by the ministry. Chouhan granted clearance for the procurement of summer lentils Moong and Urad under the PSS in the state. Additionally, he confirmed the green light for Urad procurement in Uttar Pradesh.
During the meeting, Chouhan acknowledged that while the procurement of Moong and Urad would impose a significant financial burden on the central government, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is dedicated to ensuring that the benefits reach the farmers directly. He emphasized the importance of a streamlined procurement process that reduces the role of middlemen, ensuring farmers get the intended benefits.
Chouhan directed officials to implement the latest technologies to ensure accurate registration of farmers and suggested increasing the number of procurement centers, if necessary. He also stressed the need for a fair and transparent process throughout the procurement operations.
Addressing concerns over irregularities in storage, Chouhan urged state ministers and officials to take immediate action to resolve these issues. He assured Uttar Pradesh’s Agriculture Minister that the central government would make every effort to support the best interests of farmers.
The meeting was attended by Aidal Singh Kansana, Minister for Farmers’ Welfare and Agriculture Development in Madhya Pradesh, Surya Pratap Shahi, Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Devesh Chaturvedi, Union Agriculture Secretary, and other senior officials.
(Source: PIB)
