Centre Approves ₹1,428 Crore MSP Procurement for Odisha Crops, Pushes Transparent Farmer-Centric System

In a significant boost to farmers in Odisha, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has approved Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based procurement worth over ₹1,428.31 crore for five key crops, reaffirming the Centre's commitment to ensuring fair returns and income security for farmers.

The decisions were taken during a high-level virtual meeting held at Krishi Bhawan with Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh, where the Centre responded swiftly to the state's procurement demands.

Major MSP Approvals Across Key Crops

Following a detailed review of production estimates and procurement requirements, the Centre approved procurement for:

• Moong: 34,492 metric tonnes worth ₹302.42 crore

• Urad: 1,19,387 metric tonnes worth ₹931.21 crore

• Groundnut: 20,219 metric tonnes worth ₹146.85 crore

• Sunflower: 2,210 metric tonnes worth ₹17.06 crore

• Mustard: 4,964 metric tonnes worth ₹30.77 crore

These approvals collectively cross the ₹1,428 crore mark, making it one of the largest MSP-backed procurement decisions for the state in recent times.

Strong Push for Transparency and Direct Farmer Benefit

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan made it clear that while the Centre will fully support Odisha's farmers, procurement must be transparent, honest, and directly from farmers, leaving no room for middlemen or exploitation.

He emphasized that timely MSP payments through a clean and accountable system are essential to ensure that actual producers receive the intended benefits.

"No shortfall will be allowed in assisting Odisha's farmers, but the system must ensure that only genuine farmers benefit," he stated.

Procurement Under PM-AASHA with Tech Integration

The procurement will be carried out under the PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan) scheme for a 90-day period, aimed at stabilizing prices and protecting farmers against market volatility.

The Odisha government is already implementing a Point-of-Sale (PoS)-based procurement system, which is expected to:

• Ensure direct transactions with farmers

• Improve traceability and accountability

• Reduce leakages and corruption

Focus on Reviving Sunflower Cultivation

A notable highlight of the meeting was the Minister's focus on sunflower cultivation, which has been declining in several regions of India.

Expressing satisfaction over Odisha's continued cultivation of sunflower, Shri Chouhan described it as a positive sign for crop diversification and assured the state of full central support to expand its production.

He also offered scientific and technical assistance to boost yields and improve sustainability of the crop.

Preventing Middlemen, Ensuring Farmer Empowerment

The Minister stressed the importance of continuous monitoring of procurement operations to prevent any misuse of the system. He urged the state to establish mechanisms where:

• Only farmers' produce is procured

• Traders cannot exploit the system

• Payments reach farmers directly and promptly

"If procurement is transparent and honest, farmers will receive real and meaningful benefits," he said.

Strengthening Centre-State Coordination

The meeting reflects strong Centre-State coordination in addressing agricultural challenges and ensuring farmer welfare. Officials noted that such proactive decisions are critical in:

• Stabilizing market prices

• Preventing distress sales

• Enhancing farmer income security

A Step Toward Farmer-Centric Agriculture Policy

With rising focus on digital systems, transparency, and direct benefit delivery, the Centre's approach signals a shift toward a more farmer-centric procurement ecosystem.

The ₹1,428 crore MSP approval not only provides immediate financial support to Odisha's farmers but also reinforces the broader policy direction of ensuring fair pricing, accountability, and sustainable agricultural growth.