Mumbai, 06 June (Commoditiescontrol): In a move aimed at increasing domestic production and ensuring fair prices for farmers, the government of India has decided to remove the procurement ceilings for tur, urad, and masur under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) operations for the fiscal year 2023-24. This decision allows farmers to sell any amount of their produce of these pulses under the PSS without any restrictions.
The Price Support Scheme guarantees the procurement of agricultural commodities by the government at Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure farmers receive remunerative prices for their crops. By eliminating the procurement ceilings for tur, urad, and masur, the government is sending a strong signal of support to the farmers and encouraging them to increase the sowing area for these pulses during the upcoming Kharif and Rabi seasons.
The government's decision comes in the wake of its recent move to impose stock limits on tur and urad, invoking the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This measure was implemented to curb hoarding, prevent unscrupulous speculation, and improve the affordability of these essential commodities for consumers. The stock limits are applicable to wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, millers, and importers, who are now required to declare their stock positions on the portal of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
To ensure strict enforcement of the stock limits, the Department of Consumer Affairs has directed state governments to monitor prices and stock positions, particularly by verifying the information with various warehouse operators. The central and state warehousing corporations, namely the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and the State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs), have also been asked to provide details regarding the quantities of tur and urad held in their warehouses.
The combined effect of removing the procurement ceilings and imposing stock limits is expected to create a conducive environment for both farmers and consumers. The farmers will have the freedom to sell their produce without any limitations, giving them the confidence to expand the sowing area for tur, urad, and masur. Meanwhile, the stock limits will prevent excessive accumulation of these pulses in the hands of a few entities, thereby stabilizing prices and ensuring availability to the consumers at reasonable rates.
The government's proactive measures demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of farmers and its efforts to enhance domestic production of essential food items. By encouraging increased cultivation of pulses and implementing measures to prevent market distortions, the government is fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem in the country.
Farmers, experts, and industry stakeholders have welcomed the government's decision, considering it a positive step towards ensuring the prosperity of farmers and promoting food security in the nation. As the Kharif season approaches, all eyes will be on the increased sowing area for tur, urad, and masur, bolstered by the removal of procurement ceilings, ultimately contributing to a stronger agricultural sector and a self-reliant India.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau: +91-9820130172)
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