The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) and farmers cooperative Nafed have commenced direct purchase of pulses from pre-registered farmers at agricultural produce marketing committee (APMC) mandi yard at minimum support price (MSP).
The objective according to sources is to ensure that farmers get more options to sell pulses varieties – tur, urad, masoor and chana – at remunerative prices. This according to officials said would boost pulse production and reduce the country’s import dependence.
The assured purchase at MSP from the farmers would also protect them from market fluctuations, official said.
In a communication to states, the agriculture ministry has urged states to waive levies and mandi taxes for purchase of pulses varieties – tur, urad, masur and chana by the agencies from the farmers. while direct purchase of pulses would be in addition to the existing system of procurement from the farmers by the agencies through state level organisations under PSS.
According to officials, NCCF has commenced direct purchase of urad and tur at the APMC mandis in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka. Nafed has started MSP purchase from farmers in mandis for tur and will soon commence procurement of tur and masoor in Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
“Direct purchase options provide more options to farmers to sell pulses at MSP,” a Nafed official told FE.
The communication stated that tur, urad, masur and chana should be purchased directly by Nafed and NCCF for creating a buffer from pre-registered farmers, apart from procurement done at by state designated agencies.
Role of e-Samriddhi and e-Samyukti
Currently, Nafed and NCCF have 1.18 million and 1.6 million pre-register farmers on their portals – e-Samriddhi and e-Samyukti respectively on the basis of aadhaar authentication prior to procurement of pulses and maize.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) and the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme, the agriculture ministry has sanctioned 100% purchase of marketable surplus of moong, urad and arhar at MSP for ongoing kharif marketing season,
Road to 100% Procurement
The government has approved 100% procurement of tur, urad, and masoor varieties of pulses, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pulse output. India imports about 15% to 18% of its annual pulses consumption.
Currently under the price support scheme (PSS) of the agriculture ministry, pulses, oilseeds and copra are purchased at MSP by Nafed and NCCF through state government owned agencies.