In a major boost to domestic pulse production and farmer welfare, the Government of India has procured over 3.92 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of Tur (Arhar) from key producing states under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) during the ongoing Kharif 2024-25 season. The initiative has so far benefited 2,56,517 farmers across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in a statement released on Wednesday, confirmed that procurement operations are being carried out through the central nodal agencies—NAFED and NCCF—at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). The move aims to incentivize pulse production and reduce India’s dependence on imports.

To further empower farmers and ensure long-term stability in the pulse sector, the government announced in Budget 2025 that the 100% procurement policy for Tur, Urad, and Masur will continue for the next four years, until 2028-29.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved procurement of a total of 13.22 LMT of Tur in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, the procurement period has been extended by an additional 30 days beyond the usual 90-day window, up to May 22.

Farmers are registering for procurement through the e-Samridhi portal of NAFED and the e-Samyukti portal of NCCF, allowing for a transparent and streamlined process.