Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launches state-wide procurement of groundnut, soybean, urad, and moong at support prices

Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), purchases will be conducted over 90 days at over 160 centers across the state to ensure fair prices for farmers' produce. More than 3.70 lakh farmers have registered for this, the release stated.

Addressing the event, CM Patel stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been a strong supporter of farmers, initiating several welfare schemes aimed at their prosperity. He highlighted the Prime Minister's belief that with sufficient water, electricity, fertilizers, and fair crop prices, farmers can eliminate hunger worldwide.

CM Patel also emphasised the PM's efforts to empower Gujarat's agriculture. He noted that water from the Narmada River has been made accessible to fields for irrigation, 75 Amrit Sarovar have been constructed in each district, and wells have been developed under the 'Catch the Rain' initiative.

"Additionally, adequate electricity for farmers has been ensured under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership. These successful initiatives have contributed to Gujarat's unprecedented agricultural growth over the past 23 years." CM Patel highlighted.

CM stated that the state's irrigated area has expanded to 62 lakh hectares, and agricultural production has reached Rs2.7 lakh crore.

Speaking about natural farming, the CM mentioned that the PM Modi is promoting a shift towards natural farming. The CM commended the efforts of Governor Acharya Devvrat, which have led to positive outcomes in natural farming in Gujarat. CM Patel urged all farmers present to adopt natural farming practices to conserve water, preserve soil, and protect crops from diseases.

The CM also extended New Year greetings to everyone present and reiterated the importance of contributing to building a Viksit Gujarat thereby paving the way for a Viksit Bharat@2047. During the event, the Chief Minister presented cheques for various schemes to farmers of the district, the release stated.

At the event, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel conveyed his gratitude to the CM for inaugurating the state-wide procurement at minimum support prices for farmers.

Raghavji Patel acknowledged that under CM Bhupendra Patel's leadership, the state government is deeply committed to the welfare of farmers. The Minister highlighted the Prime Minister's goal to double farmers' incomes and mentioned several central government schemes being implemented to support farmers.

He also noted that minimum support prices for various crops are declared to benefit farmers, with transparent procurement plans ensuring timely payments. The Minister further emphasized that Gujarat has made remarkable progress in agriculture, largely due to initiatives like the 'Krushi Mela' (Agriculture Fair) launched by then-CM Narendra Modi, which have significantly enhanced the financial well-being of the state's farmers. The minister also mentioned the assistance provided by the CM to support farmers during crises such as heavy rainfall, praising the CM's consistent commitment to their welfare.

Anju Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture, Farmer Welfare, and Cooperation Department, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the state government's commitment to maximizing benefits for farmers through the latest technology and various schemes.

For the 2024-25 period, the central government has announced the following minimum support prices: Rs6,783 per quintal for Groundnuts, Rs8,682 for Moong, Rs7,400 for Urad, and Rs4,892 for Soybean. The procurement will continue for 90 days across all 160 centers statewide, the release stated.

The event was attended by Sabarkantha District Panchayat President Bharti Patel, Member of Parliament Shobhana Baraiya, Rajya Sabha MP Ramila Bara, MLAs Ramanlal Vora and V.D. Zala, District Collector Ratan Kanwar Gadhvicharan, MD of Agro Industries Dipen Shah, District Development Officer Harshad Vora, along with numerous local leaders and a large gathering of farmers. (ANI)