Centre Greenlights MSP-Based Masoor Pulse Procurement for Bihar's 2026 Rabi Season
In a significant development for Bihar's agricultural sector, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav declared on Tuesday that the Central Government has officially sanctioned the state government's proposal to procure 'masoor' pulse at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the upcoming 2026 Rabi season. This approval marks a pivotal expansion of MSP coverage in the state, which previously included only paddy and wheat.
Expanding MSP Coverage to Benefit Farmers
Minister Yadav elaborated that masoor becomes the third crop to be brought under the protective umbrella of MSP in Bihar, following the established procurement of paddy and wheat. The Central Government has already set the MSP rate for masoor at Rs 6,700 per quintal for the 2025–26 Rabi season, ensuring a guaranteed price floor for farmers. Under the PSS framework, the Centre authorizes the procurement of notified crops at MSP rates when market prices fall below these thresholds, providing a crucial safety net for agricultural producers.
Procurement Details and Implementation Plan
The procurement initiative is set to involve a substantial volume of 32,000 metric tonnes (MT) of masoor pulse. To facilitate this process, the state government will undertake several key measures:
- Establish dedicated procurement centers across the state.
- Facilitate the registration of farmers to ensure eligibility and participation.
- Arrange adequate storage facilities for the procured masoor pulse.
- Implement a foolproof payment mechanism to disburse funds to farmers promptly.
Procurement activities will commence on a government-specified date and continue for a period of 60 days. Notably, payments to farmers will be processed within three days of procurement, emphasizing efficiency and transparency. Minister Yadav highlighted that the entire process will be transparent and linked to farmers' Aadhaar numbers, and he urged eligible farmers to register for the scheme to maximize its benefits.
Political Acknowledgments and Farmer-Centric Focus
Expressing gratitude, Minister Yadav thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their support in securing this approval. He emphasized that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is committed to implementing policies aimed at enhancing farmer income and welfare. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to stabilize agricultural markets and provide financial security to Bihar's farming community, particularly for pulse growers who now have an assured market at MSP rates.
