Centre Greenlights MSP Procurement for Gram and Mustard in Bihar
In a significant boost for agricultural support in the region, the Central government has approved proposals to procure chana (gram) and mustard oilseed from Bihar farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season. This decision follows the earlier approval for masur (lentil) procurement, marking a comprehensive approach to crop price stabilization.
Procurement Targets and MSP Rates Detailed
According to a government communique issued by the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) on Saturday, procurement of masur at an MSP of Rs 7,000 per quintal commenced in Bihar on April 10, with a target to purchase 32,000 metric tonnes (MT). For the newly approved crops, the MSP has been fixed at Rs 5,875 per quintal for gram and Rs 6,200 per quintal for mustard.
The state government plans to procure 16,750 MT of gram and 28,000 MT of mustard at these rates. The communique emphasized that these twin decisions—setting MSP rates and initiating procurement—are expected to not only increase farmers' income but also stimulate higher production of these essential crops across Bihar.
Ambitious Expansion Under Saat Nishchay-3 Programme
In alignment with these procurement initiatives, the Bihar government has unveiled an ambitious plan under the Saat Nishchay-3 programme to substantially increase the acreage and production of masur, gram, and mustard over the next five years. The targeted acreage is set to nearly double from 4.48 lakh hectares to 9.19 lakh hectares, while production is projected to nearly triple from 3.93 lakh MT to 11.27 lakh MT during the same period.
Seed Production Strategy to Support Growth
To facilitate this expansion, the government has initiated work on a robust seed production strategy. The plan aims to produce 45,922 quintals of certified seeds and supply 1.15 lakh quintals of high-yielding variety seeds to farmers at subsidized rates. This move is designed to ensure that farmers have access to quality inputs, thereby enhancing crop yields and supporting the overall agricultural economy in Bihar.
The combined efforts of MSP procurement and strategic agricultural planning underscore a concerted push to bolster farmer welfare and crop productivity in the state, setting a precedent for sustainable farming practices and economic growth.
