Centre Extends Tur & Chana Procurement Deadline, Bringing Relief to Maharashtra Farmers

The Union Government’s decision to extend the procurement deadline for tur (pigeon pea) and gram under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme has brought a major relief to lakhs of farmers across Maharashtra. The move comes at a crucial time when farmers were worried about selling their produce before the earlier deadline expired.

Centre Approves Extension on State’s Request

Responding to the request made by the Maharashtra government, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the extension of tur procurement till May 31, 2026, while gram procurement has been extended till May 29, 2026. The decision is expected to benefit thousands of farmers who were still waiting to bring their produce to procurement centres.

Maharashtra Government Expresses Gratitude

Maharashtra Marketing Minister Jai Kumar Rawal expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for responding positively to the state’s demand. He said the extension would ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce under the MSP scheme and avoid distress sales in local markets.

Gram Procurement Target Also Increased

The extension also includes an increase in the procurement target for gram by 58,632 metric tonnes, a move seen as a significant support measure for pulse growers in the state. According to Minister Rawal, the additional procurement capacity will help more farmers participate in the government procurement process and secure remunerative prices.

More Time for Farmers to Sell Produce

Tur procurement under the MSP scheme had started on February 1 and was originally scheduled to end on May 1. With the new decision, procurement agencies will continue purchases till the end of May, giving farmers more time to complete registrations, transport produce, and sell at government centres.

Strong Procurement Figures Across Maharashtra

Official figures shared by the state government reveal the scale of procurement already undertaken. So far, tur has been procured from 37,801 farmers, with a total purchase of 6,82,037 quintals. The figures reflect the strong response from farmers who have relied on government procurement to protect themselves from market fluctuations.

Similarly, gram procurement has witnessed large participation across Maharashtra. According to the data provided by the Marketing Department, procurement agencies have so far purchased 76,12,499 quintals of gram from 3,07,973 farmers. The numbers underline the importance of MSP operations in supporting rural incomes and stabilising pulse markets.

MSP Support Strengthens Rural Economy

For farmers, especially those in drought-prone and rain-fed regions of Maharashtra, pulse cultivation remains a key source of livelihood. Timely procurement under MSP not only ensures assured income but also strengthens confidence among farmers to continue pulse cultivation in the coming seasons.

Focus on Farmer Welfare and Market Stability

The Centre’s decision is also being viewed as part of a broader effort to strengthen procurement systems and improve farmer welfare. Over the years, the government has increasingly focused on ensuring that MSP benefits reach a larger number of farmers through expanded procurement operations and digital registration systems.

As procurement centres continue operations through May, farmers across Maharashtra are expected to benefit from the extended window, offering them both financial security and greater market confidence during the harvest season.