MSP, Govt Procurement Key To India's Food Security: PM

Earlier farmers didn’t have access to mandis & were forced to sell their produce to middlemen, now market will reach their doors and ensure higher prices, says Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the government is committed to procuring Agri crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) as it is an important part of the country’s food security.

Efforts are being made to improve mandi infrastructure so that MSP buying continues in a scientific way, he said, adding that recent Agri reforms reflect India’s commitment to global food security.

“MSP and government procurement are an important part of the country’s food security. It is important that it continues to function with better facilities and in a scientific way. We are committed towards this,” Modi said after releasing a commemorative coin of Rs 75 denomination on the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Noting that wholesale mandis or Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) have their own identity and strength, Modi said these mandis were in place for years in the country and their infrastructure is being improved.

He said about Rs 2,500 crore investment was made in the last six years to boost mandi infrastructure. Even IT infrastructure is being built to connect mandis with electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM).