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.