UP

Govt implements comprehensive procurement strategy to ensure remunerative

prices to farmers

Targets

set for procurement of gram, lentil, mustard and pigeon pea, emphasis on

transparent system

Ensure

direct payment to farmers via digital system and DBT

Lucknow,

31 March (HS): State

Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, in a press conference held at the

Media Center in Lok Bhavan on Tuesday, outlined a detailed strategy for the

procurement of pulses and oilseeds for the 2026-27 Rabi season. He explained

that under the Price Support Scheme, the government has made effective

arrangements for procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure

farmers receive a profitable price for their produce.

The

Agriculture Minister informed that as per the permission received from the

Government of India, the procurement of gram, lentil, mustard and pigeon pea

(pigeon pea) will be done in the state from April 2 to June 30, 2026. During

this period, the MSP of gram has been fixed at Rs 5875 per quintal, lentil at

Rs 7000 per quintal, mustard at Rs 6200 per quintal and pigeon pea at Rs 8000

per quintal. He said that the target of procurement has been fixed at 2.24 lakh

metric tonnes for gram, 6.77 lakh metric tonnes for lentil, 5.30 lakh metric

tonnes for mustard and 1.14 lakh metric tonnes for pigeon pea.

He

stated that to make the procurement process transparent, Aadhaar-enabled PoS

machines have been installed at all procurement centers, ensuring the identity

of farmers and making payments directly into their bank accounts through DBT.

This year, a total of over 190 procurement centers are proposed to be

established, while state-level agencies will also operate additional centers.

The

Agriculture Minister stated that the state has seen unprecedented progress in

the agricultural sector. In the financial year 2025-26, the Agriculture

Department spent over ₹5,700 crore on various schemes, a record achievement.

Additionally, the state has saved ₹303 crore by implementing reform provisions

in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

He

said that under seed distribution schemes to empower farmers, 11.25 lakh

farmers were provided seeds at a 50 percent subsidy, while 54,847 quintals of

seeds were distributed free of charge to 12.73 lakh farmers. This year, 31,950

quintals of seeds were made available to promote summer crops, including

peanuts, black gram, and green gram.

It

was stated during the press conference that adequate availability of

fertilizers has been ensured in the state. Currently, 25.41 lakh metric tons of

fertilizers are available in the state, ensuring no inconvenience to farmers.

Fertilizers are being distributed through POS machines, making the entire

process digital and transparent.

The

Agriculture Minister also informed that the Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan

Singh Seed Park is being established in the state, for which the first

installment of ₹50.84 crore has been released. This seed park will prove to be

an important step towards making the state self-sufficient in seed production.

He

said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state

government is continuously working to increase farmers' income, ensure fair

prices for crops, and strengthen the agricultural sector. The government's goal

is to ensure that every farmer receives the benefits of schemes in a timely and

transparent manner.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi