Gujarat Government to Commence Chana and Mustard Procurement at MSP on April 21
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Synopsis
The Gujarat government will start procuring chana and mustard at MSP prices from April 21, aiming to secure fair prices for farmers. This initiative, part of the PM-Asha Scheme, will help enhance farmers' income and ensure they can cultivate these crops confidently.
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat government begins crop procurement on April 21.
- Minimum Support Prices set for chana and mustard.
- Procurement through PM-Asha Scheme ensures fair pricing.
- Over 4.54 lakh farmers registered for selling crops.
- Projected procurement value exceeds Rs 2,670 crore.
Gandhinagar, April 17 (NationPress) In a strategic initiative to ensure fair prices for farmers and boost their income, the Gujarat government is set to initiate the procurement of chana (gram) and mustard (rayda) at the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) starting April 21.
This procurement will take place through the PM-Asha Scheme, which guarantees farmers a just price for their crops each year.
Farmers can confidently plant their crops, as the MSP for every commodity will be declared prior to the sowing season.
The state’s Agriculture Minister, Raghavji Patel, revealed the procurement details, highlighting that during the 2024-25 Rabi season, the government will acquire chana at Rs 5,650 per quintal (Rs 1,130 per mann) and mustard at Rs 5,950 per quintal (Rs 1,190 per mann).
These prices, determined by the Central government, aim to motivate farmers to cultivate these crops extensively, assured of a reliable return.
Consequently, over 3.36 lakh farmers have registered online for chana sales, while 1.18 lakh have registered for mustard.
Procurement will occur at 179 designated centers for chana and 87 centers for mustard.
The projected total procurement value is Rs 1,903 crore for chana and Rs 767 crore for mustard.
Recent statistics indicate that Gujarat is home to more than 70 lakh farmers, a large segment of whom are small and marginal farmers.
These farmers significantly contribute to the state’s economy, which is among the fastest-growing in India.
The agricultural landscape is characterized by both traditional and contemporary crops.
Key crops cultivated in Gujarat include cotton, groundnut, sugarcane, cereals, pulses (notably chana and moong), along with oilseeds like mustard and soybean.
Moreover, horticultural crops such as grapes, pomegranates, citrus fruits, and spices play a crucial role in the state's export earnings.
The state has earned acclaim as a leading producer of groundnut, cotton, and cattle feed, among other commodities.
