‘Aparajita’ Shukla The Central Government has addressed a Madhya Pradesh Government proposal to extend Bhavantar Payment Scheme (the price deficiency support scheme) for pulses. After State Cabinet’s approval to Bhavantar Payment Scheme for mustard, now the way has been cleared for 100% procurement of tur by Central Government. An important decision regarding mustard procurement was taken. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the proposal of Madhya Pradesh under the Bhavantar Payment Scheme and directed the concerned departments to expedite the payment process. This decision will directly benefit mustard farmers across the State. On Thursday in New Delhi, Chief Minister Dr Yadav met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and held detailed discussions on several key issues related to farmers and rural development in the State. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel and senior officials were also present at the meeting. During the high-level discussion, several decisions were taken that will provide significant relief to Madhya Pradesh, including matters related to rural roads and other development issues.

 

During the meeting, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also handed over the approval letter for 100 per cent government procurement of tur (arhar) to Chief Minister Dr Yadav. This decision will ensure full procurement of tur produced in Madhya Pradesh, protecting farmers from the risk of price fluctuations in the market and ensuring income stability. Initiative to boost pulses and oilseed production: Chief Minister Dr Yadav emphasised the need to develop Madhya Pradesh as a leading hub for the production of pulses and oilseeds. It was agreed that a joint team of the Centre and the State will prepare a long-term strategy for crops such as moong, urad, gram, sesame, mustard, and palm oil. Protection of Farmers’ Interests in Crop Insurance: Chief Minister Dr Yadav also raised the issue of safeguarding farmers’ interests under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed that, for crops such as soybean, assessment should not rely solely on satellite data. Instead, crop-cutting experiments and remote sensing methods should also be used to ensure compensation based on the actual loss suffered by farmers.

 

Review of Agriculture and Rural Development Schemes:

The meeting included a detailed review of issues related to Bhavantar payments for mustard and soybean, additional targets for moong and urad under the pulses mission, crop insurance, soil health and fertility programmes, payments of wages and materials under MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana -Gramin, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan instructed officials to prioritise and resolve pending matters related to Madhya Pradesh so that farmers, labourers, and the rural poor in the state receive timely relief. Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan expressed happiness over the decision to observe 2026 as ‘Krishak Kalyan Varsh’ in Madhya Pradesh. He remarked that “Madhya Pradesh is my home” and assured that during the Farmer Welfare Year, farmers cultivating mustard, tur, moong, urad, and oilseed crops will receive all possible support, while the state will continue to advance on every parameter of rural development. As the name indicates, the scheme provides relief to farmers as an compensation when the open market price falls below Government’s benchmark or minimum support price. In such case, government extends hand to support farmers by paying difference (amount) to farmers. In other words, government protect them from losses incurred due to distress sales and pay the difference.