Prices of Pulses and Oilseeds Below MSP, Government Procurement Increasing

29-Mar-2025 11:03 AM

Prices of Pulses and Oilseeds Below MSP, Government Procurement Increasing
Tur (Pigeon Pea)
★ In Latur, Maharashtra, prices range between ₹6,800-7,500 per quintal, which is below the MSP of ₹7,550 per quintal. The government has purchased 2.4 lakh metric tons so far, while the target is 10 lakh tons.
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Chana (Chickpeas)
★ In Kota, Rajasthan, chana prices range between ₹5,000-5,350 per quintal, significantly lower than the MSP of ₹5,650 per quintal. The government has started procurement in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh but has only purchased 5,000 tons so far.
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Mustard
★ In Bharatpur, Rajasthan, mustard prices are at ₹5,800-5,900 per quintal, close to the MSP of ₹5,950 per quintal. However, farmers face the risk of low returns as government procurement has not yet started.
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Government Measures and Concerns
★ The Agriculture Ministry has approved the procurement of 50 lakh tons of pulses and 28 lakh tons of mustard at MSP in major producing states.
★ The government has also approved limited procurement of groundnut and sunflower in Telangana.
★ During the kharif season, 20 lakh tons of soybean and 15 lakh tons of groundnut have been procured in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
★ Prices below MSP mean that farmers may be forced to sell their crops at a loss. Delayed government procurement could lead to further losses in wholesale markets. Additionally, India’s import dependence on pulses and edible oils stands at 15-18% and 58%, respectively, putting more pressure on domestic farmers.