Bihar joins Centre’s direct pulse procurement network for first time

Bihar has joined the Centre's pulse procurement network for the first time after a policy change allowed central agencies to buy masoor directly from farmers, two government officials said. The state had abolished its APMC system in 2006, leaving farmers dependent on private traders and often forcing sales below MSP.

As of early August, about 3,000 tonnes of masoor has been procured from Bihar against a target of 32,000 tonnes. Around 750 farmers have received about Rs 21 crore at an MSP of Rs 7,000 per quintal. The National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India and Nafed are managing procurement across several districts.

Bihar produces nearly 400,000 tonnes of pulses annually on 448,000 hectares. Agricultural economist Binod Anand said the move could build confidence among farmers. Chhattisgarh has also benefited, with 380 tonnes procured from over 1,200 farmers, while Madhya Pradesh contributed about 200,000 tonnes benefiting over 80,000 farmers.