REVIEW OF NAFED TO STRENGTHEN MSP PROCUREMENT & PULSES SELF RELIANCE
What Happened?
- Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a detailed review meeting of NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.).
- The meeting focused on:
- Procurement of Pulses and Oilseeds
- Ensuring farmers receive full Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- Strengthening the Government Procurement System
The Minister directed officials to make MSP procurement more robust, transparent and time-bound.
WHAT IS NAFED?
NAFED is a government-supported cooperative organization.
Its key roles:
- Procure crops at MSP
- Stabilise Market Prices
- Support farmers under various Government Schemes
It plays a crucial role in Pulses and Oilseeds Procurement.
FOCUS AREAS OF THE MEETING
The review covered:
- Price Support Scheme (PSS)
- Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF)
- Ongoing Procurement Operations
- Operational Challenges
The Minister stressed improving efficiency and making the system more farmer-friendly.
STRENGTHENING MSP PROCUREMENT
The Minister emphasised:
- Procurement must be time-bound
- Timely Payments to farmers
- Well-equipped Procurement Centres
- Clear communication of Procurement Schedule and Procedures
Goal: Build Farmers’ Trust in the MSP system.
SPECIAL FOCUS ON PULSES
Priority crops:
- Tur (Arhar)
- Urad
- Masoor
Reason:
- Pulses are essential for Nutritional Security
- India still depends on Pulses Imports
- Higher domestic production will reduce Import Dependence
SELF RELIANCE IN PULSES MISSION
The government is planning a 6-year mission for pulses.
Main objectives:
- Increase Domestic Pulses Producton
- Ensure Assured MSP Procurement
- Reduce Imports
- Increase Farmers’ Income
- Stabilise Market Prices
Aim: Make India Atmanirbhar in Pulses.
MEASURES UNDER THE MISSION
Key strategies:
- Improve Agronomic Practices
- Provide High-Quality Seeds
- Offer Technical Support
- Strengthen Marketing and Procurement Systems
- Improve Storage Infrastructure
REDUCING ROLE OF MIDDLEMEN
The Minister stressed direct linkage of farmers with the Government Procurement System.
This will
- Reduce dependence on Middlemen
- Ensure Fair Prices
- Improve Income Security
Strong Centre-State Coordination was also emphasized.
IMPORTANCE OF STORAGE & PLANNING
The Minister highlighted:
- Need for proper Storage Facilities
- Procurement aligned with Production Estimates
- Timely purchases during Peak Arrival Season
This helps:
- Reduce Price Volatility
- Protect both Farmers and Consumers
ROLE OF NAFED GOING FORWARD
NAFED must:
- Function with greater Efficiency
- Ensure Transparency
- Regularly Monitor Operations
- Resolve Field-Level Issues Quickly
Large-scale MSP Operations require strong supervision.
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