Approval for purchase of record 45 lakh tonnes of pulses at MSP

17-Mar-2025 10:55 AM

Key Highlights

  1. Falling Pulse Prices Below MSP Triggers Concern

    • Increased domestic production, rising arrivals, heavy imports & weak demand have led to prices falling below MSP in major producing states.
    • Farmers facing losses due to lower market prices.

  2. Record Government Procurement for 2024-25

    • 45 lakh tonnes of pulses approved under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) – the largest-ever procurement.
    • Crops included:
      • Tur (Tuvar), Gram, Urad, Lentil, and Moong from both Kharif & Rabi seasons.
    • Major states covered:
      • Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu.
    • Pending Proposal: Purchase of Gram from Rajasthan.

  3. Central Pool Stock Levels & Procurement Agencies

    • Pulse stocks in the central pool have fallen below the minimum required level.
    • NAFED & NCCF, in collaboration with state agencies, actively procuring pulses to support farmers at MSP.

  4. Procurement Targets for 2024-25

    • Kharif Season:
      • Tur (Tuvar): 13.20 lakh tonnes approved, 1.40 lakh tonnes procured so far.
    • Rabi Season:
      • Gram: 21.16 lakh tonnes (4 lakh tonnes expected from Rajasthan, but approval pending).
      • Lentils: 9.40 lakh tonnes
      • Urad: 90,000 tonnes
      • Moong: 13,500 tonnes

  5. Comparison with Previous Years

    • 2017-18: Record 45 lakh tonnes procured (previous highest).
    • Declining Procurement Trend:
      • 2021-22: 30.30 lakh tonnes
      • 2022-23: 28.30 lakh tonnes
      • 2023-24: Only 6.90 lakh tonnes

Market & Farmer Impact

  • Large-scale government procurement expected to stabilize prices & support farmers.
  • MSP assurance will help mitigate losses amid weak market demand & rising imports.
  • Procurement execution & pending approvals will be key factors in market movement.

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