Bihar farmers are set to benefit as the Centre approves procurement of masur, chana, and mustard at Minimum Support Prices. Lentil procurement has already begun, with gram and mustard to follow. These initiatives aim to boost farmer income and significantly increase crop production and acreage in the state over the next five years, supported by a new seed production strategy.
Patna: After approving procurement of masur (lentil) from Bihar farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season, the Centre has also cleared proposals to procure chana (gram) and mustard oilseed at MSP.While procurement of masur at Rs7,000 per quintal began in the state on April 10, the target is to purchase 32,000 metric tonnes (MT), according to a govt communique issued by the IPRD on Saturday.The MSP for gram has been fixed at Rs5,875 per quintal and for mustard at Rs6,200 per quintal. The state plans to procure 16,750 MT of gram and 28,000 MT of mustard at these rates.“The twin decisions—fixing MSP rates and initiating procurement—will not only increase farmers’ income but also boost production of these crops in the state,” the communique said.The state govt has also decided to substantially increase acreage and production of these three crops over the next five years under the Saat Nishchay-3 programme.The targeted acreage is set to nearly double from 4.48 lakh hectares to 9.19 lakh hectares. Production is projected to nearly triple from 3.93 lakh MT to 11.27 lakh MT during the same period.In line with this plan, the govt has begun work on a seed production strategy. It aims to produce 45,922 quintals of certified seeds and supply 1.15 lakh quintals of high-yielding variety seeds to farmers at subsidised rates.
