Centre revises guidelines for procurement of coarse grain

What is the news?

The Government of India has revised guidelines for procurement, allocation, distribution and disposal of coarse grains. It has allowed distribution of Jowar (Rabi) and Ragi for a longer period of 6-7 months respectively from the earlier 3 months.

What was the earlier procurement policy on Coarse Grains?

Earlier, states were allowed to procure coarse grains from farmers at minimum support price (MSP) under the central pool. But the whole quantity was to be distributed within three months from the end of the procurement period.

Due to this, several states were facing difficulties with respect to the distribution period.

What has changed now?

The distribution period of coarse grains such as Jowar and Ragi has been increased to 6 & 7 months respectively from the earlier period of 3 months. 

This would increase procurement and consumption of these commodities, as the states would have more time to distribute these commodities in the Target Public Distribution System/ Other Welfare Schemes.

Source: This post is based on the article “Centre revises guidelines for procurement of coarse grain” published in Indian Express on 10^th Dec 2021.