Gandhinaga: In a major pro-farmer decision, the Gujarat government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has increased the procurement limit of key coarse grains under Minimum Support Price (MSP) schemes by 75 percent. The decision is aimed at ensuring better income security for farmers and reducing distress sales in open markets.
The move was finalized after a high-level meeting with the Food, Civil Supplies and Agriculture Minister.
Higher Procurement Limit for Bajra, Maize and Jowar
The state government has increased the procurement limit for crops like bajra (pearl millet), maize, and jowar (sorghum) under MSP operations.
Bajra Procurement Limit Increased from 2000 kg to 3500 kg
The most significant change is in bajra procurement:
- Earlier limit: 2000 kg per farmer
- New limit: 3500 kg per farmer
This sharp increase will allow farmers to sell a larger portion of their produce directly to government procurement centers, ensuring better price realization.
Officials said the step is especially beneficial for small and marginal farmers who often struggle to get fair prices in the open market.
Aim: Ensuring Fair Prices and Farmer Welfare
The policy shift is designed to:
- Prevent distress selling of crops
- Improve farmer income stability
- Strengthen government procurement systems
- Support rural agricultural economy
By expanding procurement limits, the government aims to provide assured market access to farmers at MSP rates.
Major Reform in Tar Fencing Scheme for Farmers
Along with MSP reforms, the Gujarat government has also revised rules under the Kanthedar Tar Fencing Assistance Scheme (Tar Fencing Scheme) to protect crops from damage caused by stray cattle and wild animals.
Cluster Area Requirement Reduced
- Earlier requirement: 2 hectares
- New requirement: 1 hectare
This change will enable more small farmers to benefit from the scheme.
Financial Assistance for New Farm Fencing
Under the revised guidelines, farmers will receive financial support for installing new barbed wire fencing around their fields.
Key Highlights:
- ₹300 per running meter OR 40% of total cost (whichever is lower)
- Assistance only for new fencing
- No subsidy for repair or maintenance of old fencing
The government clarified that the scheme is strictly aimed at new installations to maximize coverage and effectiveness.
Objective: Protect Crops from Stray Animals and Wildlife
The tar fencing scheme aims to:
- Prevent crop damage from stray cattle
- Reduce losses caused by wild animals
- Improve farm productivity and security
- Provide long-term protection to agricultural land
Officials said these reforms are expected to significantly reduce agricultural losses across rural Gujarat.
These twin decisions by the Gujarat government reflect a strong focus on farmer welfare through better MSP procurement support and improved agricultural protection infrastructure. By increasing procurement limits and simplifying fencing assistance rules, the state aims to strengthen rural incomes and safeguard crops more effectively.
