Haryana to buy moong from farmers after rate goes below MSP

Following reports that farmers were selling moong (green gram) below MSP, the Haryana government today said it will buy the crop from growers by entering mandis from tomorrow.

"Taking another first-time decision in the interest of farmers of the state, the Haryana government has decided to enter the mandis from tomorrow to purchase moong from the growers," said an official spokesman.

The decision has been taken following reports that the farmers producing moong were selling the same at prices below the minimum support price (MSP).

The state government has directed Haryana State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation (HAFED) to intervene in the market to support the farmers and purchase moong at Rs 5,225 per quintal, including MSP of Rs 4,800 per quintal and Rs 425 bonus.

HAFED Chairman Harvinder Kalyan said it had made all arrangements to start procurement of moong from October 10.

It will do so on behalf of NAFED, the central nodal agency for procurement of oilseeds and pulses under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) scheme of the central government.

Moong is mainly grown in Hisar and Bhiwani districts of the state.

The procurement will be made directly from the farmers through the shops of co-operative marketing societies located at mandis in Hisar and Siwani in Bhiwani district from tomorrow.

Payment will be made electronically into the bank accounts of the farmers.

This decision is expected to benefit the farmers to a large extent as the MSP for Fair Average Quality (FAQ) moong is Rs 5,225 per quintal, including bonus, which is higher than the current prevailing market price of moong.

Kalyan assured the framers that HAFED will efficiently carry out the purchase.