In a significant move towards agricultural reform, Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a tur dal procurement portal, enabling farmers to register and sell their produce to the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF). The portal guarantees a minimum support price (MSP) or market price for the farmers. Minister Shah, during the launch, also highlighted plans to extend this facility for urad, masoor, and maize farmers in the future.
Direct Benefit Transfer and Farmer Empowerment
As part of the inauguration, Minister Shah conducted Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), transferring approximately Rs 68 lakh to 25 farmers as payment for their tur dal sales through the portal. This move is expected to empower farmers by providing them with assured prices and promoting pulses farming, addressing concerns of price uncertainty.
Initiative Towards Self-Reliance in Pulses Production
Aiming for self-reliance in pulses production, Minister Shah emphasized that the portal’s procurement process will contribute to a significant reform in the agriculture sector. He expressed confidence that by December 2027, the country will achieve self-sufficiency in pulses, eliminating the need for imports by January 2028.
Encouraging Farmer Participation
Shah called upon Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), Farmer Producers Organisations (FPOs), and progressive farmers to create awareness about the portal. Farmers registering on the portal will have the option to sell to NAFED/NCCF or the open market, ensuring flexibility based on market dynamics. The initiative aims to boost domestic pulses production, bridging the gap between consumption and production in the country.