Parliament Question: Implementation of MSP

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 661 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22ND JULY, 2026 IMPLEMENTATION OF MSP 661. SHRI HARISH CHANDRA MEENA: Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state: (a): the number and locations of approved procurement centres for Millet and Maize in Tonk and Sawai Madhopur districts during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026–27; (b): whether the procurement agencies have ensured that the farmers of Tonk district are able to sell their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) without any compulsion of distress sale; (c): if so, the details of the measures taken by the Government to ensure timely payment of MS iP to small and marginal farmers in Tonk and Sawai Madhopur districts; (d): whether an independent audit is being conducted to confirm the compliance of MSP in the State of Rajasthan; and (e): if so, the details thereon ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA) (a): As per the procurement policy of the Govt of India, the procurement of coarse grains is to be done by the State Governments in the Decentralised Procurement (DCP) Mode. The number and location of procurement centres for millet and maize in Tonk and Sawai IV[adhopur districts during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026–27 has not yet been finalized by the state govt as procurement under KMS 2026-27 season is yet to commence in the state. However, during the RMS 2026-27, a total quantity of 40089 MT wheat from 7772 farmers across 10 procurement centres was procured in Tonk and Sawai Madhopur districts.(b): Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments for procured foodgrains are made to farmers for the quantity procured, thereby facilitating the sale of their produce at the notified MSP. (c): To ensure timely payment of MSP of foodgrains to farmers, including small and marginal farmers, extensive awareness campaigns are conducted prior to the commencement of the procurement season to disseminate information regarding the MSP procurement process, registration procedure and payment. Further, payment of MSP of foodgrain is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the farmers' registered bank accounts within 48 hours of the procurement of their produce, in accordance with the prescribed guidelines, (d) & (e): No specific independent audit is being conducted to confirm the compliance of MSP in Rajasthan. $88++