The Gujarat government, led by Agriculture and Spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani, will start buying tur (pigeon pea) at the minimum support price (MSP) from February 23. Over 1.33 lakh farmers in the state have registered to sell their tur produce at the MSP. This decision was made during a State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Minister Vaghani stated that the initiative is aimed at ensuring farmers receive fair prices and economic security for their crops. The MSP for tur for the upcoming year has been set at Rs 8,000 per quintal (Rs 1,600 per 20 kg) to encourage extensive cultivation in the state. To streamline the procurement process, around 130 purchase centers have been identified based on the sowing areas and expected yields.
Farmers who have registered to sell tur at the MSP will be notified in advance via SMS. Upon receiving the SMS, they are required to bring the specified quantity to the designated purchase center to benefit from the scheme. The state government has made necessary arrangements to guarantee sufficient purchases from all registered farmers, Minister Vaghani assured.
The announcement coincides with the unveiling of the state government’s budget for 2026-27, which earmarks Rs 24,022 crore for the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department. This budget, part of the total state budget of Rs 4.08 lakh crore, emphasizes farmer empowerment and rural development. Minister Vaghani praised the budget, stating that it aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Developed India @ 2047’ and prioritizes sectors like agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure for comprehensive state development.
