- In a significant step towards enhancing domestic production of pulses, the government has removed the procurement ceilings of 40% for tur, urad and masur under Price Support Scheme (PSS) operations for 2023-24.
- The decision, in effect, assures the procurement of these pulses from farmers at MSP without ceilings.
- The assured procurement of these pulses by the government at remunerative prices will help motivate the farmers to enhance sowing area in respect of tur, urad and masur in the upcoming Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons in order to enhance the production.
- It may be recalled that the government had, 2nd June, 2023 imposed stock limits on tur and urad by invoking the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 in order to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation and also to improve affordability to the consumers.
- The stock limits have been made applicable to wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, millers and importers.
- It has also been made mandatory for these entities to declare the stock position on the portal (https://fcainfoweb.nic.in/psp) of Department of Consumer Affairs.
Benefits:-
- Farmers get the benefit of the scheme through the sale of their produce at support price in APMC centres opened by the Nodal procurement agency.
- When prices of commodities fall below the MSP, State and central notified procurement nodal agencies purchase commodities directly from the farmers at MSP, Under specified FAQ (fair Average Quality).
- In this way, prices of the main commodities are procured and protect the farmers against economic loss in farming.
