01Economy·6 min read·Prelims · Mains
Amit Shah directs NAFED, NCCF to bypass middlemen, buy pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers
This article is about a major policy directive to strengthen cooperative procurement and reduce import dependence. Prelims may test facts on NAFED's turnover, import volumes of pulses and oilseeds, and the role of cooperatives in agricultural marketing. Mains could explore challenges to farmer income, MSP efficacy, and India's edible oil/pulse self-sufficiency strategy. UPSC will use this for General Studies III (agriculture, food security, cooperatives) and SSC for current affairs sections on government schemes and economic reforms.
- Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah directed NAFED and NCCF to procure pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers, cutting out middlemen, with a two-year deadline.
- India currently imports 6-7 million tonnes of pulses and 15-16 million tonnes of edible oils annually to bridge domestic shortfalls.
- NAFED's annual turnover climbed from ₹500 crore to ₹30,000 crore in FY25, with reach extending to 76 lakh farmers.