India Approves MSP Procurement for Sunflower in Karnataka and Gram in Maharashtra, Support Worth ₹4,886 Crore
Centre Expands MSP Operations in Karnataka and Maharashtra
06 May 2026, New Delhi: In a major step aimed at protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring remunerative prices for agricultural produce, the Government of India has approved large-scale procurement operations under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism in both Karnataka and Maharashtra. The decisions, approved by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, are expected to provide MSP support worth more than ₹4,886 crore to farmers across the two states.
The approvals include procurement of sunflower in Karnataka for the Rabi 2026 season and an enhanced procurement limit for gram in Maharashtra for the Rabi 2025-26 season. The Centre said these measures are aimed at preventing distress sale of crops and strengthening farmer confidence in the MSP procurement system.
Sunflower Procurement Approved in Karnataka
Acting on a proposal submitted by the Karnataka government, the Union Agriculture Ministry has approved procurement of 9,023 metric tonnes of sunflower under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the Rabi 2026 season. The MSP value of the approved procurement is estimated at more than ₹69.66 crore.
The decision is expected to provide major relief to sunflower growers in Karnataka who often face market volatility and lower prices during peak arrivals. By enabling procurement at MSP, the government aims to ensure that farmers receive fair and remunerative prices for their produce.
The move is also expected to reduce pressure on farmers who are otherwise compelled to sell their produce below MSP due to weak market demand or lack of storage and marketing options. The Centre believes the approval will contribute to better price stability and strengthen the agricultural economy in the state.
Maharashtra Gets Higher Gram Procurement Limit
In another significant decision, the Centre has approved an increase in the maximum procurement quantity of gram in Maharashtra under the Price Support Scheme for the Rabi 2025-26 season. The revised procurement limit has been increased to 8,19,882 metric tonnes.
The total MSP value of this gram procurement operation is estimated at more than ₹4,816.80 crore, making it one of the major procurement support measures for pulse growers in the country this season.
To further support farmers, the government has also extended the procurement period for gram in Maharashtra by 30 days. Procurement operations will now continue until May 29, 2026, giving farmers additional time to sell their produce at MSP.
The extension is expected to benefit thousands of gram growers who could not complete sales within the earlier procurement window. It will help farmers avoid distress sales caused by market pressure and oversupply during the harvest season.
Focus on Preventing Distress Sale of Crops
The Centre stated that both decisions are part of a broader effort to protect farmers from distress sales and ensure income stability. By expanding procurement operations and extending timelines, the government aims to create a more secure and predictable marketing environment for agricultural producers.
Officials believe the increased procurement limits and procurement period extension will help ensure that farmers are not forced to sell produce at lower market prices during periods of excess arrivals.
The MSP interventions are also expected to reinforce farmer confidence in the procurement mechanism and improve participation in government-supported marketing systems.
Government Reiterates Commitment to Farmer Welfare
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare said it remains committed to making agricultural procurement more effective, transparent and farmer-centric.
The approvals for sunflower procurement in Karnataka and gram procurement in Maharashtra underline the government’s continued emphasis on safeguarding farmers’ economic interests through assured pricing support.
The Centre maintained that ensuring remunerative prices for farmers remains one of its key priorities. By strengthening MSP operations and providing timely procurement support, the government aims to improve income security for farmers while promoting long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector.
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