In a significant move aimed at enhancing agricultural income, the Central Government has announced an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops, benefiting around 40 thousand farmers in Prayagraj.
The decision, which primarily targets paddy farmers, aims to bolster their earnings amidst prevailing market conditions.
Paddy, which constitutes a substantial portion of agricultural activity in Prayagraj, commands over 90 percent of total MSP purchases.
This underscores the region’s reliance on paddy cultivation, with a majority of farmers preferring to sell their produce at designated MSP centers.
In contrast, crops such as Bajara, Moong, and Urad, cultivated by fewer farmers with smaller land holdings, typically find their way to local markets due to lower production volumes.
Last year, Kharif crops covered 2.16 lakh hectares in the district, yielding 5.61 lakh metric tonnes of produce.
This year’s production target is slightly higher at 5.81 lakh metric tonnes, with paddy expected to maintain its lead in terms of volume.
Impressive Paddy Cultivation Results: 1,56,248 Hectares Yield 5,04,006 Metric Tonnes In 2023
In 2023, paddy cultivation spanned 1,56,248 hectares in Prayagraj, yielding an impressive 5,04,006 metric tonnes.
Deputy RMO Vipin Kumar reported procurement of 2.30 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 35 thousand local farmers last year, along with 35 thousand quintals of millet.
Despite efforts to diversify crops such as sorghum, maize, and sesame, which occupy smaller tracts of land, their overall production volumes remain relatively lower.
Paddy continues to dominate procurement efforts, capturing more than 95 percent of total MSP purchases in the district.
Other crops like tur, millet, and sorghum also contribute to local production dynamics.
District Agriculture Officer Subhash Maurya highlighted the challenges faced by small-scale farmers who diversify into various crops alongside paddy but often fall short of reaching MSP centers due to limited yields.
Additionally, crops such as cotton, soybean, sunflower, and groundnut, which are not commonly cultivated in Prayagraj, do not qualify for MSP benefits, impacting local agricultural economics.
Looking forward, the increased MSPs aim to empower farmers by ensuring fair remuneration and sustaining agricultural productivity across diverse crop portfolios.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural communities and promoting sustainable farming practices not only in Prayagraj but also across the broader agricultural landscape.
Also Read: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Honored With Ceremonial Welcome
