Has the Centre Approved Procurement of 1 Lakh Tonnes of Chickpea from Karnataka at MSP?
Synopsis
In a significant move to support farmers, the Centre has approved the procurement of 1 lakh tonnes of rabi chickpea from Karnataka at the Minimum Support Price. Pralhad Joshi emphasizes the importance of this decision in addressing the distress faced by chickpea growers in the state. This initiative aims to stabilize prices and support the livelihoods of local farmers.
Key Takeaways
The Centre has approved procurement of 1 lakh MT of chickpea.
Minimum Support Price set at Rs 5,875 per quintal.
Support aimed at distressed farmers in Karnataka.
Importance of chickpea as a major crop in the region.
Immediate establishment of procurement centers urged.
New Delhi, Jan 23 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, announced on Friday that the Centre has sanctioned the procurement of 1 lakh metric tonnes of rabi chickpea (chana) from Karnataka at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). In his statement, Joshi noted that instructions have been issued to procure 1,01,340 metric tonnes (MT) of rabi-season chickpea at Rs 5,875 per quintal under the MSP scheme.
He emphasized that during challenging times, the Central government has consistently supported the farmers of Karnataka, extending its assistance to the state’s chickpea cultivators as well.
Following requests communicated through letters, the Centre has approved the procurement of 1 lakh metric tonnes of chickpea from Karnataka at the MSP, as stated by Joshi.
Under the MSP scheme, the Central government has authorized the procurement of a total of 1,01,340 metric tonnes of rabi chickpea at Rs 5,875 per quintal. This decision was conveyed by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a letter to Joshi, according to the statement.
Joshi highlighted the importance of chickpea as one of Karnataka’s major pulse crops, cultivated across approximately 9.24 lakh hectares. However, due to current market prices being significantly lower than the MSP, chickpea farmers are facing hardships.
To address this situation, Joshi had previously written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging immediate action through procurement at the support price.
The ongoing market price of chickpea is considerably below the announced MSP of Rs 5,875 per quintal for the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026-27, with concerns that prices may continue to decline in the near future. Joshi thus stressed the necessity of prioritizing the implementation of the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for chickpea in Karnataka.
In response to Joshi’s appeal, the Union Agriculture Minister agreed to approve the procurement of over 1 lakh metric tonnes of chickpea at the support price through the state government.
Joshi urged the state government to promptly set up district-wise procurement centers and commence the purchase of chickpea from farmers at the support price.
He expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their support in approving the procurement of chickpea at MSP to assist the farmers of Karnataka.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of the Centre's approval for chickpea procurement at MSP. This move not only addresses the immediate concerns of farmers in Karnataka but also reflects the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and stabilizing market prices. It is a step towards sustainable farming practices and economic stability for rural communities across the nation.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the procurement amount approved by the Centre?
The Centre has approved the procurement of 1 lakh metric tonnes of rabi chickpea from Karnataka.
What is the Minimum Support Price for chickpea?
The Minimum Support Price for chickpea is set at Rs 5,875 per quintal.
Why was this procurement necessary?
This procurement was necessary to support farmers facing distress due to prevailing market prices being significantly lower than the MSP.
What area is primarily affected by this decision?
The decision primarily affects chickpea farmers in Karnataka, which is a major producer of this pulse crop.
Who communicated this decision?
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan communicated the decision to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.
