Madhya Pradesh Launches First Kodo Kutki Procurement Drive

Strengthening Millet Cultivation

Madhya Pradesh Launches First Kodo Kutki Procurement Drive: The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved its first-ever Kodo and Kutki millet procurement plan to support farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. The initiative is part of the government’s commitment to enhance agricultural diversification and increase farmer income. The move aligns with the national push to promote Shri Ann (millets), declared as India’s focus crop during the International Year of Millets 2023.

Procurement operations will be managed by the Shri Ann Consortium of Farmer Producer Company Limited, targeting major millet-growing districts such as Jabalpur, Katni, and Mandla. The Kharif 2025 procurement target is 30,000 metric tonnes, marking a milestone for the state’s millet mission.

Static GK fact: Kodo and Kutki are traditional minor millets rich in protein and fiber, primarily cultivated in the tribal belts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Assured Prices and Farmer Incentives

Under this scheme, Kutki will be procured at Rs 3,500 per quintal and Kodo at Rs 2,500 per quintal. To ensure smooth operations, the consortium will receive an interest-free loan of Rs 80 crore from the Price Stabilization Fund. Additionally, farmers will get a Rs 1,000 per quintal incentive through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

This strategic procurement mechanism will help stabilize market prices, prevent distress sales, and encourage crop diversification among small and marginal farmers.

Static GK Tip: The Price Stabilization Fund was initially set up by the Government of India in 2015 to manage price volatility of essential commodities.

Bhavantar Scheme for Soybean Farmers

The Cabinet also approved the Price Deficit Payment Scheme (Bhavantar) for soybean growers. Farmers selling their produce between October 24, 2025, and January 15, 2026, in notified mandis will receive compensation if the market price falls below the MSP of Rs 5,238 per quintal.

Payments will be credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts, ensuring minimum income protection and financial stability.

Static GK fact: The Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana was first launched in Madhya Pradesh in 2017 to protect farmers from market price fluctuations.

Boosting MSME and Industrial Growth

Madhya Pradesh has adopted the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) program with a budget of Rs 105.36 crore, of which the state contributes Rs 31.60 crore. This initiative aims to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises through technology adoption and capacity building.

It aligns with the national MSME RAMP initiative, supported by the World Bank, to promote industrial competitiveness and employment generation.

Pension and Youth Welfare Measures

The Cabinet raised Dearness Relief (DR) for state pensioners under the Seventh Pay Commission from 53% to 55%, and for Sixth Pay Commission beneficiaries from 246% to 252%, effective September 1, 2025. This will help pensioners cope with inflation and rising living costs.

The Sardar Patel Coaching and Training Scheme (2021) has been extended for 2025–26 and 2026–27, offering free coaching to 5,000 youth from backward and minority communities preparing for competitive exams.

Static GK Tip: The Seventh Pay Commission recommendations came into effect from January 1, 2016, revising pay and allowances for government employees and pensioners.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Madhya Pradesh Launches First Kodo Kutki Procurement Drive: