India Allows Higher Moisture Content in Soybean Procurement for Kharif 2024-25
The Indian government has decided to allow its agencies to procure soybeans with a moisture content of up to 15%, which is higher than the usual 12% limit. This decision was made after receiving several requests and is applicable for the Kharif 2024-25 season as a one-time measure. Soybeans, a kharif crop, are typically harvested in October-November.
The government stated that any expenses or losses from procuring soybeans with higher moisture content will be the responsibility of the respective state governments. This decision aims to support farmers, especially in key soybean-growing states like Maharashtra, which is approaching Assembly polls on November 20.
Procurement will be conducted through agencies like NAFED and NCCF, ensuring farmers receive a Minimum Support Price for their produce.
Doubts Revealed
Moisture Content -: Moisture content refers to the amount of water present in the soybeans. Usually, there is a limit to how much water can be in the soybeans when they are bought by the government.
Kharif 2024-25 -: Kharif is a farming season in India that starts with the onset of the monsoon and ends with the harvest in autumn. The 2024-25 season refers to the crops planted in 2024 and harvested in 2025.
Procurement -: Procurement means buying or purchasing. In this context, it refers to the government buying soybeans from farmers.
Minimum Support Price -: Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a price set by the government to buy crops from farmers, ensuring they get a fair amount of money for their produce.
NAFED -: NAFED stands for National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India. It is an organization that helps in marketing and buying agricultural products from farmers.
NCCF -: NCCF stands for National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India. It is another organization involved in buying and distributing agricultural products.
Maharashtra -: Maharashtra is a state in western India. It is one of the major producers of soybeans in the country.
Assembly polls -: Assembly polls are elections held to choose representatives for the state government. In Maharashtra, these elections are coming up soon.
