Government Greenlights Procurement of 20 Lakh MT Potatoes in UP, Additional Support for Farmers in Andhra and Karnataka
Synopsis
The Indian government has approved a significant procurement of potatoes in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation amidst market volatility. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to protect farmers' interests across the country.
Key Takeaways
20 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes approved for procurement in Uttar Pradesh .
Market intervention price set at Rs 6,500.9 per metric tonne.
Government's financial commitment of Rs 203.15 crore .
Chana procurement limit increased to 1,13,250 metric tonnes in Andhra Pradesh.
Tur procurement deadline extended to May 15 in Karnataka.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) In a significant boost for farmers, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has sanctioned the acquisition of a considerable amount of 20 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes in Uttar Pradesh, at a fixed market intervention price of Rs 6,500.9 per metric tonne, as announced on Saturday.
The government's estimated financial commitment for this initiative is Rs 203.15 crore, showcasing robust central backing.
This timely intervention is expected to benefit potato farmers in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring they receive favorable returns on their investments and produce. It also aims to prevent forced sales at lower prices during market fluctuations, as stated by the Agriculture Ministry.
In addition to the potato procurement in Uttar Pradesh, the government has commenced chana procurement operations in Andhra Pradesh and has extended the procurement period for tur (pigeon pea) in Karnataka.
The minister has also increased the chana procurement limit to 1,13,250 metric tonnes in Andhra Pradesh and extended the tur procurement deadline to May 15 in Karnataka.
These measures are designed to protect producers from the pressures of distress sales in unpredictable markets and to promote overall stability and predictability within the agricultural sector, contributing to a more secure environment for farming and trade.
Chouhan affirmed that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is firmly dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the interests of farmers nationwide.
He elaborated that a primary goal of the administration is to ensure that farmers are not forced to sell their crops at undervalued prices due to market pressures or unforeseen situations.
Chouhan underscored the ministry's proactive strategy, highlighting ongoing collaboration with state governments to implement timely, empathetic, and effective interventions tailored to farmers’ needs.
He endorsed the Andhra Pradesh government's request under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), initially approving the procurement of 94,500 metric tonnes of chana, also referred to as Bengal gram.
The minister further increased the maximum allowable procurement quota for Bengal gram under PSS during the Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26 to a revised limit of 1,13,250 metric tonnes.
Point of View
Particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The procurement initiatives aim to provide economic stability in the agricultural sector and protect farmers from volatile market conditions, reflecting a commitment to rural welfare.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the approved procurement amount for potatoes?
The government has approved the procurement of 20 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes in Uttar Pradesh.
What is the market intervention price set for the potatoes?
The market intervention price for the potatoes is fixed at Rs 6,500.9 per metric tonne.
How much financial support is the government providing for this initiative?
The government's estimated financial contribution for this initiative is Rs 203.15 crore.
What additional procurement initiatives are being implemented?
The government has also approved chana procurement operations in Andhra Pradesh and extended the tur procurement period in Karnataka.
How does this impact farmers?
These measures are designed to ensure farmers receive favorable returns on their investments, preventing distress sales in fluctuating markets.
