Karnataka sunflower growers and Maharashtra gram farmers to benefit from expanded MSP procurement measures

In a major boost to India’s agricultural sector, the Centre has approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement support worth over ₹4,886 crore for sunflower farmers in Karnataka and gram producers in Maharashtra. The decision, cleared by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, aims to protect farmers from distress sales and ensure remunerative returns during the ongoing Rabi procurement season.

The twin decisions include approval for sunflower procurement in Karnataka under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and a substantial increase in gram procurement limits in Maharashtra, alongside an extension of the procurement window.

Key Highlights

• Centre approves MSP support exceeding ₹4,886 crore
• Procurement of 9,023 metric tonnes of sunflower cleared for Karnataka
• MSP value of sunflower procurement estimated at ₹69.66 crore
• Maharashtra’s gram procurement limit raised to 8.19 lakh metric tonnes
• MSP value of gram procurement exceeds ₹4,816 crore
• Gram procurement deadline extended till May 29, 2026

Karnataka Sunflower Farmers to Receive MSP Protection

Acting on a proposal from the Karnataka government, the Agriculture Ministry approved procurement of 9,023 metric tonnes of sunflower for the Rabi 2026 season under the Price Support Scheme.

The move is expected to provide critical price support to sunflower farmers who often face volatile market rates during peak arrival periods. With procurement now backed under MSP operations, growers are likely to gain improved price stability and reduced exposure to distress selling.

The approved procurement carries an MSP value of more than ₹69.66 crore.

Maharashtra Gram Procurement Expanded

In another significant decision, the Centre increased Maharashtra’s maximum gram procurement limit under PSS to 8,19,882 metric tonnes for the Rabi 2025-26 season.

The procurement value of this approval exceeds ₹4,816 crore, making it one of the larger MSP-backed support interventions for pulse farmers this season.

To further support farmers, the government has extended the gram procurement period by 30 days, allowing procurement operations to continue until May 29, 2026. The extension is expected to help farmers who were unable to sell produce within the earlier timeline due to market pressure or logistical challenges.

Focus on Farmer Income Stability

The latest approvals reflect the Centre’s continued emphasis on ensuring fair and remunerative prices for farmers amid fluctuating agricultural markets.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, expanding procurement operations and extending procurement timelines are aimed at strengthening farmer confidence in the MSP system while reducing the risk of forced low-price sales during high-supply periods.

The decisions are also expected to support broader agricultural stability, particularly in pulse and oilseed producing regions.

Strengthening India’s Agricultural Procurement Ecosystem

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has been expanding procurement interventions to improve income security for farmers.

The latest measures reinforce the government’s push toward a more transparent, farmer-centric and responsive procurement framework, while supporting long-term sustainability in the agricultural economy.