Biometric screening mandatory for MSP purchases of pulses

Procurement period limited to 60 days

- SANDIP DAS

THE AGRICULTURE MINISTRY has made biometric face authentication and the use of point-of-sale (POS) machines mandatory for minimum support price (MSP) procurement of pulses and oilseeds starting from the upcoming Kharif 2025-26 season.

The move aims to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from MSP procurement under various government schemes. This shift is facilitated by Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, which came into effect on April 21, allowing Aadhaar-based authentication for welfare schemes.

Officials said the new requirement will help ensure that only fresh produce and verified farmers participate in the procurement process.