According to the central government, there has been an enormous increase in the procurement of crops on Minimum Support Price in the state of Chhattisgarh. In addition to this, organized procurement of lentils has become a reality for the first time in Bihar under the Atmanirbhar Pulse Mission. This step becomes necessary in helping India gain self-sufficiency in pulse production.

Procurement through Minimum Support Price in Chhattisgarh has increased significantly through the PM-ASHA scheme. NCCF and NAFED are playing a vital role in increasing procurement through both programs. NCCF has initiated procurement through the launch of a new initiative by organizing the first-ever lentil procurement program in Bihar.

According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, this entire initiative is linked to a scientific storage system. For this purpose, dedicated warehouses are being used in collaboration with the Central Warehousing Corporation. The government has set a target of procuring 32,000 metric tons of lentils in Bihar by April 22, 2026.

So far, 16 PACS and FPOs have been registered for this procurement in Bihar. So far, 59 farmers have been connected to this initiative, and 100.4 metric tons of lentils have been procured. NAFED is also preparing to further expand this procurement through its network.

Procurement under the PM-ASHA scheme has also accelerated in Chhattisgarh. Farmers are being connected digitally through the e-Samyuti portal. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted among farmers through Doordarshan and other media. Currently, 85 PACS centers are actively operating in the state.

Procurement is currently underway in Dhamtari, Durg, Balod, Balodabazar, Raipur, Raigarh, and Sarangarh districts. The government will soon expand the procurement process to Surguja, Kondagaon, and Korea districts. Both NCCF and NAFED are working to increase farmer access and strengthen food security in the state.

The government states that these steps will strengthen the MSP-based system and ensure farmers receive better prices for their produce. The use of digital platforms and new infrastructure will bring transparency to the entire process. This will not only benefit farmers but also help stabilize market prices.