MSP purchase of 14.31 lakh tonnes of pulses and mustard in UP

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
- Prelims 2020Consider the following statements: In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any…Solve with answer →
- UPPCS Pre 2018From 4th July 2018 the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during 2018-19 for paddy per quintal isSolve with answer →
On 30 March 2026 the Union Agriculture Minister approved Uttar Pradesh’s proposal to buy about 14.31 lakh metric tonnes of gram, masoor and mustard at MSP for the Rabi 2026 season, worth around ₹9,341 crore. The purchase is under the Price Support Scheme. The full masoor demand of 6,77,000 tonnes was approved.
- Date
- 30 March 2026
- Scheme
- Price Support Scheme (PSS)
- UP quantity
- about 14.31 lakh MT
- UP value
- around ₹9,341 crore
- Crops
- gram, masoor, mustard
- Season
- Rabi 2025-26 (Rabi 2026)
MSP procurement of pulses and mustard in UP: what happened?
When market prices of pulses and oilseeds fall below MSP, farmers face distress sales. Under the Price Support Scheme, the Centre buys these crops at MSP on a state’s proposal. UP got the largest share of this round of approvals.
- The Centre approved procurement of about 14.31 lakh metric tonnes of gram, masoor and mustard at MSP in Uttar Pradesh, for around Rs 9,341 crore. [PIB]
What was approved for UP?
| Crop | Quantity (MT) | MSP value |
|---|---|---|
| Gram | 2,24,000 | ₹1,316 crore |
| Masoor | 6,77,000 (100% of demand) | ₹4,739 crore at ₹70,000/MT |
| Mustard | 5,30,000 | ₹3,286 crore at ₹62,000/MT |
What about other states?
- Haryana: 13,082 MT of gram and 3,60,528 MT of mustard, worth over ₹2,312.12 crore.
- Karnataka: 6,923 MT of kusum (safflower), 25 per cent of the state’s proposal, worth ₹45.27 crore at ₹65,400 per MT.
- Together, more than 18 lakh MT worth over ₹11,698 crore across the three states.
Why does MSP procurement of pulses and mustard in UP matter?
- Farmers: Assured price saves growers from selling at throwaway prices.
- Food security: Supports the push to raise pulse and oilseed output.
- Transparency: POS-based procurement by states ensures transparent payment.
What can Prelims ask on MSP procurement of pulses and mustard in UP?
- PSS: procurement of pulses and oilseeds at MSP on state proposals.
- UP Rabi 2026: about 14.31 lakh MT; masoor 6,77,000 MT (full demand).
- Karnataka kusum (safflower) MSP 2025-26: ₹65,400 per MT.
Read all of March 2026 in the monthly UP current affairs compilation →
How to use this in Mains
- Assured purchase of pulses and oilseeds is meant to pull UP farmers away from a wheat-only rabi.
Quotable data pointThe Centre approved procurement of about 14.31 lakh metric tonnes of gram, masoor and mustard at MSP in Uttar Pradesh, for around Rs 9,341 crore [PIB].
PIB: Procurement of Rabi crops at MSP in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka
Exam angle
GS-VI: agriculture in UP. Use masoor and mustard procurement in answers on crop diversification and MSP.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
For Rabi 2026, the full (100 per cent) procurement demand of UP was approved for which crop?
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB (Agriculture), 30 March 2026.
Questions students ask about this
How much pulses and mustard will be bought at MSP in UP?
About 14.31 lakh metric tonnes of gram, masoor and mustard, worth around ₹9,341 crore.
Under which scheme is this purchase made?
The Price Support Scheme (PSS).
What is the MSP rate used for masoor?
₹70,000 per metric tonne; the full UP demand of 6,77,000 MT was approved.
Keep studying
Official source: PIB: Procurement of Rabi crops at MSP in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka
facts from cited sources only; numbers machine-checked against source text; faculty review pending