Tur Tales: Government Beans Up Buffer Stocks to Stabilize Market Prices

The Indian government has procured 3.4 lakh tonnes of tur (pigeon pea) under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) this year, aiming to maintain a buffer stock of 10 lakh tonnes to regulate market prices. Karnataka has led the procurement efforts, contributing 1.3 lakh tonnes, with farmers receiving a state bonus of Rs 450 per quintal above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 7,550 per quintal.  

 

The Ministry of Agriculture has sanctioned the procurement of 13.22 lakh tonnes of tur across nine states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. The PSS ensures that farmers receive fair compensation when market prices fall below the MSP.  

 

In addition to tur, the government has procured 17,000 tonnes of chana (gram), 28,700 tonnes of masur (lentil), and 3,000 tonnes of moong (green gram) under the scheme. Despite increased domestic production, India continues to rely on imports to meet pulse shortages, highlighting the importance of such initiatives.  

 

Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Rediff Money, Press Information Bureau, Economic Times, MSN India