Delay in Government Procurement of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds Hurts Farmers

24-Oct-2025 08:43 PM

New Delhi. Although the harvesting and arrival of Kharif pulses and oilseeds has already begun, the lack of procurement by government agencies is forcing farmers to sell their produce below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). It is worth noting that the Central Government approved the proposal to procure pulses and oilseeds at the MSP under the Price Support Scheme just a month ago.

It is believed that government agencies are refraining from purchasing pulses and oilseeds due to the moisture content in pulses and oilseeds exceeding the approved level. However, due to the lack of government procurement, farmers are suffering significant losses as they are forced to sell their produce at lower prices.

According to rough estimates, farmers have sold over 9 lakh tonnes of pulses and oilseeds since September 24th. This includes the five crops—urad, mung, soybean, groundnut, and sesame—for which government procurement is awaiting commencement.

The Central Government has already approved the procurement of pigeon pea, black gram, green gram, soybean, groundnut, and sesame in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat at the minimum support price, an estimated cost of approximately ₹13,890 crore.

The government subsequently approved the procurement of green gram in Karnataka. Requests from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to procure pulses and oilseeds are being considered. Similarly, the governments of Maharashtra and Rajasthan have requested the Central Government for permission to begin the procurement process, which is also under consideration.

Government procurement of groundnut in Gujarat is expected to begin next week. The Madhya Pradesh Government has announced the launch of a price difference payment scheme for soybean and has sought Central approval for the same.

The Ministry of Agriculture has directed NAFED and NCCF to procure pulses and oilseeds only from pre-registered farmers.