Decision to Procure Sunflower in Karnataka and Increase Gram Quota in Maharashtra

05-May-2026 08:34 PM

New Delhi: The Union Minister of Agriculture has approved the procurement of 9,023 tonnes of sunflower at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the Rabi 2026 season in Karnataka. Similarly, in Maharashtra, the maximum limit for the government procurement of gram (chana) has been increased to 819,882 tonnes. Consequently, the estimated expenditure for the procurement of these two crops is approximately ₹4,886.46 crore.

The procurement of 9,023 tonnes of sunflower in Karnataka will entail an expenditure of ₹69.66 crore, calculated based on its Minimum Support Price (MSP). As a result, farmers in the state will not be compelled to sell their produce at distress prices and will instead benefit from the Price Support Scheme.

In Maharashtra, the procurement target for gram at MSP has been raised to approximately 8.20 lakh tonnes. At MSP, the value of this procurement amounts to ₹4,816.80 crore. The deadline for government procurement of gram in the state has also been extended by one month (30 days), setting the new cutoff date at May 29, 2026. This move will provide relief to those farmers in Maharashtra who have not yet been able to sell their gram at government procurement centers.

The Union Minister of Agriculture stated that the government is committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers and is providing them assistance on every front. The government's objective is to ensure that the benefits of the Price Support Scheme reach every single farmer. Furthermore, the government is making continuous efforts to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds within the country. To this end, producers are being provided with the necessary support, assistance, and incentives. An increase in the production of pulses and oilseeds will lead to success in reducing the nation's dependence on the import of edible oils and pulses.