In a significant move aimed at empowering farmers, the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) has launched the procurement of mustard and chickpea at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for the first time in Rajasthan under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).
The official inauguration of this historic drive took place on Thursday at Bhama Shah Mandi in Kota.
The event was flagged off by local MLA Kalpana Devi, in the presence of the President of the Kota Trader Association, the Deputy Registrar of Cooperatives, RAJFED Regional Officer, the NCCF Rajasthan team led by Ms. Madhu Sharma, and other dignitaries.
This initiative marks the first time NCCF is conducting MSP procurement operations in Rajasthan, in collaboration with the Rajasthan State Cooperative Marketing Federation (RAJFED).
Until now, NCCF had not carried out procurement in Rajasthan under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). This year marks a pivotal shift, with nearly half of the state’s agricultural zones participating in the program.
A total of 222 procurement centres have been established across 19 districts, including key agricultural hubs such as Ajmer, Bikaner, Kota, and Jodhpur. It is gathered that NCCF and NAFED have set ambitious procurement targets of 13.22 lakh metric tonnes of mustard and 5.46 lakh metric tonnes of chickpea.
By ensuring that farmers receive fair and guaranteed prices for their produce, the initiative aims to stabilize incomes and significantly improve the economic well-being of the farming community.
NCCF had earlier announced the commencement of mustard procurement under the PSS in Haryana, stating, “Farmers no longer need to worry — they will receive full benefits at MSP.”
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament that over 12.64 lakh farmers have registered on NCCF’s e-Samyukti portal — an online platform launched under the government’s initiative to promote the production of pulses and maize.
