Government Strengthens MSP Procurement in Chhattisgarh; Launches First-Ever Structured Pulse Procurement in Bihar under Atmanirbhar Mission

Over 100 MT procured in Bihar; Chhattisgarh operations cross 12,000 MT as NCCF and NAFED strengthen farmer outreach and procurement infrastructure

Digital platforms, expanded PACS network and cooperative-led procurement drive enhance farmer participation and price support

The Government of India has significantly expanded procurement operations under the PM-AASHA scheme, with the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) playing a central role in Chhattisgarh, while also launching Bihar’s first-ever structured pulse procurement initiative under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission.

In a major development, NCCF has initiated organised procurement of masoor (lentil) in Bihar for the first time, marking a key step towards self-reliance in pulse production. The initiative is supported by scientific storage through WDRA-approved warehouses operated in collaboration with the Central Warehousing Corporation.

As of 22 April 2026, Bihar has recorded:

• Procurement target of 32,000 MT (Masoor)
• 16 PACS/FPOs registered
• 59 farmers onboarded
• 100.4 MT of procurement completed

NAFED is also preparing to scale operations under the Price Support Scheme through its cooperative network across the state.

Chhattisgarh: Expanded MSP Procurement Operations

In Chhattisgarh, procurement under PM-AASHA has gained momentum with digitised farmer participation through the E-Samyukti portal and extensive awareness campaigns, including grassroots outreach and Doordarshan engagement.

A network of 85 PACS centres is currently operational, with procurement underway in districts such as Dhamtari, Durg, Balod, Balodabazar, Raipur, Raigarh, and Sarangarh. Operations are set to expand to Sarguja, Kondagaon, and Koriya.

NCCF Performance (as on 22 April 2026):

• Procurement target:

• Chana: 63,325 MT
• Masoor: 5,360 MT
• Farmers registered:

• Chana: 16,012
• Masoor: 451
• Procurement achieved:

• Chana: 9,032 MT
• Masoor: 7.98 MT
• Farmers benefited:

• Chana: 6,129
• Masoor: 28

NAFED Performance (as on 22 April 2026):

• 137 centres opened via State Level Agencies
• Additional direct centres:

• Chana: 7
• Masoor: 3
• Farmers registered:

• Chana: 39,467
• Masoor: 510
• Procurement achieved:

• Chana: 3,850 MT
• Masoor: 109 MT
• Farmers benefited:

• Chana: 2,645
• Masoor: 281

These initiatives reflect the Government’s continued focus on strengthening the MSP-based procurement ecosystem, ensuring better price realisation for farmers, and integrating them into formal supply chains. The expansion of procurement infrastructure and digital platforms is expected to further enhance transparency, efficiency, and outreach.

NCCF and NAFED remain committed to scaling up operations in both states, contributing to national food security and price stabilisation while advancing the objectives of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.