THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 22, 2026
In a significant move aimed at
strengthening farmer incomes and ensuring price stability, the Government of
India has approved the procurement of pulses and oilseeds under the Price
Support Scheme (PSS) for the Rabi Marketing Season 2025–26. The decision was
finalised during a high-level video conference between Union Agriculture
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister
for Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
The approval comes in response
to a request from the Odisha government, reinforcing Centre-State coordination
to safeguard farmers’ interests. The procurement will cover key pulse crops
such as green gram and black gram, along with oilseeds including sunflower,
groundnut, and mustard—crops that are vital to the state’s agrarian economy.
Welcoming the decision, Singh
Deo highlighted that special emphasis will be placed on boosting sunflower
cultivation in Western Odisha, particularly in Kalahandi district. He noted
that the initiative is expected to not only enhance production in the region
but also ensure farmers receive better price support for their produce.
“The State Government will undertake
continuous monitoring of procurement operations under the Price Support Scheme
during 2025–26 to ensure transparency and timely procurement,” Singh Deo said.
He added that the move would help provide remunerative prices to farmers,
thereby strengthening their financial security and encouraging higher
agricultural productivity.
Senior officials from the
Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department were present during the
meeting, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav and
Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, along with other key officers.
The approval of procurement
under PSS is expected to play a crucial role in stabilising market prices,
preventing distress sales, and supporting Odisha’s farmers as they prepare for
the upcoming marketing season.
