What Are the Plans for Pulses and Oilseeds Procurement in Haryana?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Procurement of kharif pulses starting at over 100 centres.
- Moong procurement until November 15.
- Increased area and yield for pulses.
- Timely procurement essential for farmer support.
- Government delays causing distress for farmers.
Chandigarh, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Chief Secretary of Haryana, Anurag Rastogi, conducted a comprehensive review on Wednesday regarding the procurement of kharif pulses and oilseeds, set to commence at more than 100 centres.
The state has established specific procurement timelines and designated centres for each type of crop. The procurement of 'Moong' is scheduled to continue until November 15 at 38 centres. In December, 'arhar' and 'urad' will be procured at 22 and 10 centres, respectively. The groundnut procurement window will be open from November 1 to December 31 at seven locations. Additionally, 'til' (sesame) will be procured in December through 27 centres, while soybean and Nigerseed will be sourced between October and November at seven and two markets, respectively.
During the review, the Chief Secretary instructed officials to guarantee a smooth and efficient procurement operation.
He highlighted the importance of timely procurement and adequate provisions for storage facilities and the availability of gunny bags at the mandis.
Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Pankaj Agarwal, noted significant enhancements in production.
The area allocated for 'moong' has increased from 1.09 lakh acres in 2024-25 to 1.47 lakh acres in 2025-26, with yields rising from 300 kg to 400 kg per acre.
Consequently, production is anticipated to surge from 32,715 metric tons to 58,717 metric tonnes. Both 'arhar' and 'urad' have also shown moderate growth in area and yield.
However, the cultivation of 'til' has doubled from 800 acres to 2,116 acres, with production expected to reach 446 metric tonnes, according to an official statement.
Recently, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda mentioned that crops such as paddy, millet, and cotton are now arriving in the market, yet the government has not initiated their procurement, forcing farmers to sell their produce at distress prices.
He stated that paddy is currently priced Rs 300-400 per quintal below the minimum support price (MSP), with millet priced nearly Rs 600 less per quintal and cotton approximately Rs 2,000 below its MSP.
After enduring devastating floods, farmers are now facing yet another setback due to government actions.