Government of India has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of TD-5 variety for Raw Jute at Rs.2400 per quintal for 2014-15 season. Minimum Support Price (MSP) is in the nature of a minimum price for the farmers offered by the Government for their produce in case the market prices fall below that level. If the market offers higher price than the MSP, the farmers are free to sell their produce at market price. Procurement under MSP is undertaken by the designated central agencies and State Governments. MSP operations are monitored by the Government. Directives are issued to the Procurement Agencies to keep track of market prices of Jute. In the event of market prices falling below the MSP level, the procurement machineries are pressed into operation to procure the quantities of Jute offered by farmers to ensure that farmers get MSP. Jute Corporation of India (JCI) is the price support agency of the Government of India for Jute. JCI purchases Raw Jute at MSP through its 171 Departmental Purchase Centres (DPCs). JCI also purchases the Raw Jute procured at about 40 centres operated by Cooperatives. This information was given today by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Mohanbhai Kundaria in the Lok Sabha. GG: SB:CP : jute (lok) 16.12.2014
