The measure is intended to address the challenges faced by farmers due to climatic conditions affecting crop moisture levels. While the relaxation aims to facilitate procurement, the additional costs or losses incurred as a result will be borne by the respective state governments in the larger interest of the farming community.
Central nodal agencies, including the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF), have been instructed to make payments to state-level procuring agencies at adjusted rates reflecting the increased moisture content.
The state agencies and governments are required to ensure that farmers receive the full Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce, guaranteeing financial support irrespective of the quality adjustment.
To prevent storage losses due to higher moisture levels, the memorandum directs central and state agencies to take all necessary precautions during the procurement and preservation of stocks.
Also Read: India to sell discounted wheat and rice to rein in rising retail prices
