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Efforts to streamline wheat procurement through slot booking aim to ensure fair transactions and support agricultural livelihoods in Madhya Pradesh.
As the harvesting of Rabi crops enters its final stages across the country, the procurement of crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is in full swing. However, there's a shift in farmer behavior this time, with more interest shown in selling wheat in the open market, leading to a decrease in wheat procurement at MSP.
In Madhya Pradesh, the government has extended the date for wheat procurement until May 20 to facilitate farmers in selling their crops at MSP. Additionally, farmers now need to book slots to sell their wheat, a new requirement introduced by the government to streamline the procurement process.
Also Read: Government Extends Wheat Purchase Period to Benefit Farmers
Previously, farmers would receive SMS notifications for selling their wheat at MSP. However, this system has been replaced by online slot booking on the e-uparjan portal. Farmers must book their slots on the portal before bringing their wheat to the market for procurement.
Farmers can book slots for selling their wheat crop at MSP through the following steps:
Farmers can book slots for wheat procurement through various channels, including their Android phones, Public Service Centers, MP Online Kiosk Centers, Procurement Centers, and Internet Cafés. Slots can be booked daily (except on state holidays) from 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm, with a validity of three working days.
The Minimum Support Price for wheat for the marketing year 2024-25 has been set at Rs 2275 per quintal by the Central Government. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh government is providing a bonus of Rs 125 per quintal, making the effective procurement price Rs 2400 per quintal. Despite earlier promises, the procurement rate remains at Rs 2400 per quintal instead of the proposed Rs 2700 per quintal mentioned in the BJP's manifesto before the assembly elections.
Also Read: Wheat Prices Keep Going Up Reach Over Rs 5,000
The transition to slot booking for wheat procurement aims to streamline the process and ensure fair transactions for farmers at the Minimum Support Price. Despite adjustments in procurement rates, the government's efforts to facilitate wheat sales underscore a commitment to supporting agricultural livelihoods. By embracing digital solutions, the procurement system seeks to enhance efficiency and transparency in agricultural markets, benefiting farmers across Madhya Pradesh.