Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday reviewed agricultural procurement and crop insurance arrangements in Madhya Pradesh during a virtual meeting with the state’s Agriculture and Horticulture Ministers at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
The meeting focused on the procurement of summer Moong, the benefits of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, and the implementation of crop insurance initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Officials also discussed the adoption of technology for crop-yield assessment and the pending rollout of the WINDS system in the state.
Government Raises Moong Procurement Limit
During the review, Chouhan said the Centre had responded to the Madhya Pradesh government’s request by approving the procurement of 4,54,580 metric tonnes of summer Moong for the 2026 season.
Considering farmers’ interests, the approved quantity was subsequently increased by another 84,492 metric tonnes, taking the overall procurement ceiling to 5,39,072 metric tonnes. According to the Minister, the additional approval did not create any financial liability for the state government.
The procurement season has now concluded, with Madhya Pradesh purchasing around 5.33 lakh metric tonnes of Moong. The quantity remained within the centrally approved limit, allowing all willing and registered farmers to sell their available produce under the procurement arrangement.
Chouhan highlighted that the procurement gave farmers access to remunerative prices linked to MSP, thereby providing direct financial support while also contributing to economic activity in rural areas.
Procurement Performance Improves Over Previous Year
The state also registered a notable improvement in summer Moong procurement compared with 2025.
In the summer season of 2025, Madhya Pradesh had an approved procurement limit of 4,19,692 metric tonnes and ultimately procured 3,93,123.79 metric tonnes. In 2026, both the sanctioned quantity and actual procurement increased substantially.
The Minister said the stronger procurement performance indicated increased government support for farmers and growing confidence among cultivators in the organised agricultural market.
Procurement activities were undertaken primarily through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF). Emphasis was placed on ensuring timely payments and maintaining transparency during the procurement process.
Crop Insurance Implementation Reviewed
The meeting also examined the implementation of the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) in Madhya Pradesh under the broader framework of PMFBY.
The state government had sought finalisation of the term sheet required to implement the scheme. Chouhan said the Centre had already taken the necessary steps and provided the term sheet to the state government. He urged the authorities to complete the remaining process and begin implementation without unnecessary delay.
WINDS Rollout Remains Pending
Another key issue discussed was the implementation of the Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS) in Madhya Pradesh.
Officials noted that the concerned Central department has repeatedly communicated with the state government regarding the rollout of the system. However, its implementation remains pending.
The meeting underlined the importance of putting WINDS into operation, particularly because reliable weather data is important for the effective implementation of weather-based crop insurance programmes such as RWBCIS.
Technology and Field Data to Improve Yield Assessment
The participants also discussed technology-driven yield assessment under PMFBY. Madhya Pradesh is already using technology-based methods to assess yields for several major crops.
The Centre suggested bringing back Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) alongside technological assessments to facilitate ground verification and recalibration of technology-based models.
A blended methodology that combines digital and technology-based assessments with field-level information was recommended to improve accuracy and reliability. Such an approach could also help strengthen coordination between Central and state authorities in assessing crop losses and determining insurance-related claims.
Focus on Strengthening Farmers’ Incomes
Concluding the meeting, Chouhan emphasised the need for continued cooperation between the Centre and Madhya Pradesh to improve procurement, payment mechanisms and crop insurance systems.
He stressed that timely procurement, assured MSP and an efficient crop insurance framework are important pillars for improving farmers’ incomes and strengthening their confidence in agricultural markets.
The review is expected to provide further momentum to efforts aimed at ensuring better price realisation for farmers while improving the effectiveness of technology-based crop insurance and yield assessment systems in Madhya Pradesh.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
