Indian States Expand Procurement Schemes for Farmers

The Himachal Pradesh government has approved a Market Intervention Scheme to procure processing‑grade mangoes, citrus fruits and C‑grade apples for the 2026 season. The scheme sets a Minimum Support Price of ₹12 per kilogram for mangoes and citrus, and ₹12 per kilogram for apples, with collection through 42 centres and use of recyclable plastic crates or gunny bags. Only registered growers can sell, and the programme aims to provide assured prices for produce that would otherwise fetch low market rates.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan requesting a higher procurement ceiling for summer moong under the Price Support Scheme. The state seeks to raise its target to 8.06 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting a bumper crop of about 20.16 lakh tonnes. Farmers have staged protests in Bhopal, demanding the increase to avoid distress sales below the minimum support price. The appeal underscores concerns over procurement bottlenecks and the importance of MSP purchases for farmer incomes.