Budget Session: Govt answers on MSP, e-NAM in Lok Sabha

Replying to a question over the MSP in the Lower House of the Parliament, the government said that it is difficult to assess the accurate number of farmers benefitting from MSP as the procurement is done by the concerned agencies under various schemes. It also said 1,000 mandis have been integrated with e-NAM in 21 states and Union Territories so far with 1.69 crore farmers registered on it.

New Delhi: More than two crore farmers benefited from the government's procurement of seven commodities at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during 2019-20, the government informed the Parliament during the Budget session discussion.

Replying to a question over the MSP, the government said that it is difficult to assess the accurate number of farmers benefitting from MSP as the procurement is done by the concerned agencies under various schemes.

"Besides, the overall market also responds to the declaration of MSP and Government's procurement operations which results in private procurement on or above the MSP for various notified crops. Therefore, an accurate number of farmers benefiting from MSP declaration is difficult to assess," the government stated.

The government also explained that it extends price support for paddy and wheat through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies.

Under this policy, whatever foodgrains are offered by farmers within the stipulated period and conforming to the specifications prescribed by the government are purchased at MSP by the state government agencies as well as FCI for the central pool.

While answering the queries regarding electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), the government said 1,000 mandis have been integrated with e-NAM in 21 states and Union Territories so far with 1.69 crore farmers registered on it, and additional 1,000 mandis will be connected with this digital platform by next fiscal.

Even 1.55 lakh traders have registered on the e-NAM platform where trade volume of 4.13 crore tonne of bulk commodities and 3.68 crore coconuts and bamboos worth Rs 1.22 lakh crore have been recorded, it said.

Direct payment to farmers has also been enabled on this platform.

"Looking to the success of e-NAM in its 1,000 mandis, it is now on a path of expansion," the government said in a statement.

According to the government, e-NAM is not just a scheme but it is a journey that aims to benefit the last-mile farmer and transform the way they sell their Agri produce.

(With inputs from PTI)