Overview
- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told the Rajya Sabha that MSP purchases under the NDA total Rs 24.49 lakh crore versus Rs 7.41 lakh crore during the UPA period.
- He said MSPs have been fixed at a minimum 50% margin over production cost since 2019 and cited higher rates, including paddy at Rs 2,369 versus Rs 1,310 in 2013–14 and jowar at Rs 3,699 versus Rs 1,500.
- Chouhan announced 100% procurement for tur, masoor and urad, adding that central agencies such as NAFED will step in wherever states do not buy approved quantities.
- Pointing to state shortfalls, he said Karnataka was cleared to procure 306,150 tonnes of tur for 2024–25 but purchased 216,303 tonnes, after seeking approval for only a quarter of its requirement.
- Opposition MPs pressed for a legal MSP guarantee, flagged farmer distress and alleged unpaid paddy dues to Kerala; the minister said any verified dues would be released and noted additional buys under PM-AASHA and the Market Intervention Scheme.