Centre clears MSP procurement of sunflower, green gram and soyabean in Karnataka
The Union government has approved procurement of sunflower, green gram and soyabean grown during the current kharif season in Karnataka at Minimum Support Prices (MSP), responding to a state proposal and recent concerns raised by farmers over delayed payments under the MSP scheme.
Approval details
Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in a communication dated September 28, conveyed that his ministry has cleared Karnataka’s proposal to procure kharif 2026–27 produce at MSP. The approval covers 13,413 metric tonnes of sunflower, 38,250 metric tonnes of green gram, and 1,15,500 metric tonnes of soyabean.
The decision follows a request made by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who had sought the Centre’s nod for MSP operations in the state. With this clearance, the concerned state agencies can move ahead with procurement to support farmers amid market fluctuations.
Background: farmer agitation over MSP payments
The approval comes in the wake of sustained protests earlier this year over delays in payments for produce procured under the MSP scheme. In July, farmers launched a day-and-night, indefinite agitation in Hubballi demanding the release of proceeds for green gram purchases that they said had been pending for six to seven months.
The protest, organised under the banner of Raita Sena Karnataka, was staged in front of the Karnataka State Co-Operative Marketing Federation Ltd. (KSCMF) office at Vikas Nagar in Hubballi. Farmers from Byahatti, Kusugal, Sulla, Kiresur, Amaragol and several neighbouring villages joined the demonstration, highlighting the impact of delayed settlements on their livelihoods and seasonal planning.
Significance for the kharif season
The Centre’s approval of MSP procurement for three key kharif crops is expected to provide price assurance to growers across major producing belts in Karnataka. While MSP operations are typically undertaken to protect farmers from sharp price declines during peak arrivals, the move also assumes significance against the backdrop of recent grievances regarding payment timelines under the existing procurement mechanisms.
Next steps
Following the Union Agriculture Ministry’s clearance, state authorities are expected to operationalise procurement through designated agencies at notified MSPs for the approved quantities. The implementation will be closely watched by farmer groups, particularly in districts where green gram growers reported pending dues earlier this year.
Conclusion
By approving MSP procurement of sunflower, green gram and soyabean for the kharif 2026–27 season in Karnataka, the Centre has signalled support for key oilseed and pulse growers while addressing recent concerns around procurement and payment processes. The effectiveness of the decision will hinge on swift on-ground execution and timely settlements to farmers.
