16 November 2024, New Delhi: In a bid to address the concerns of soybean farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture has announced a one-time relaxation of moisture content norms for the procurement of soybean under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) during the Kharif 2024-25 season. This measure allows the procurement of soybean stocks with moisture content up to 15%, an increase from the standard prescribed limit of 12%, ensuring that farmers do not suffer losses due to quality-related constraints.
The decision, approved by the Hon’ble Agriculture Minister, comes in response to multiple representations from farmer groups and stakeholders. It aims to provide relief to soybean producers who have been affected by unpredictable weather conditions during the Kharif season, often resulting in higher-than-standard moisture levels in their harvest.
Under this revised framework, the Ministry has clarified that any additional expenses or losses incurred due to the procurement of soybean with higher moisture content will be borne by the respective State Governments. While the Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED and NCCF) will process payments to State-Level Procuring Agencies (SLAs) after adjusting the value of the relaxed moisture content, farmers will still receive the full Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce. This ensures that the interests of farmers are safeguarded, even as operational adjustments are made to accommodate the relaxed norms.
The Ministry has also emphasized the importance of minimizing storage losses for procured stocks with higher moisture content. It has directed CNAs and SLAs to implement stringent measures for the preservation and handling of these stocks to prevent any wastage or degradation during storage. Proper collaboration between the procuring agencies at central and state levels will be key to ensuring the success of this initiative.
This decision reflects the government’s proactive approach in addressing the needs of farmers and stabilizing the agricultural economy. By easing procurement norms, the Ministry seeks to prevent distress sales and ensure fair compensation for farmers, reinforcing its commitment to farmer welfare and agricultural sustainability.
The relaxed norms are expected to provide significant relief to soybean farmers during the Kharif 2024-25 season while maintaining the integrity of the procurement process under the PSS.
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