PM-AASHA Procurement Expands in Bihar, Chhattisgarh

The Government of India has expanded procurement operations under the PM-AASHA framework in Bihar and Chhattisgarh. The move is aimed at improving minimum support price (MSP) based procurement, strengthening farmer participation, and supporting pulse self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission. NCCF and NAFED are leading the procurement effort through cooperative and digital systems, with scientific storage support and wider market linkage for farmers.

Bihar’s First Structured Masoor Procurement

Bihar has begun its first organised procurement of masoor (lentil) under the new initiative. This is a major step for the state’s pulse economy and for national efforts to reduce dependence on imports. The procurement is being supported by WDRA-approved warehouses operated with the Central Warehousing Corporation. As of 22 April 2026, Bihar had a procurement target of 32,000 MT of masoor, with 16 PACS/FPOs registered, 59 farmers onboarded, and 100.4 MT procured.

Chhattisgarh Procurement Network Strengthened

In Chhattisgarh, PM-AASHA procurement has expanded through digitised farmer registration on the E-Samyukti portal and awareness drives at the grassroots level. Doordarshan outreach has also been used to improve participation. A network of 85 PACS centres is operational. Procurement is active in districts including Dhamtari, Durg, Balod, Balodabazar, Raipur, Raigarh, and Sarangarh, with further expansion planned in Sarguja, Kondagaon, and Koriya.

NCCF and NAFED Performance

• NCCF in Chhattisgarh has set a chana target of 63,325 MT and masoor target of 5,360 MT.
• NCCF has registered 16,012 chana farmers and 451 masoor farmers.
• Its procurement achievement stands at 9,032 MT of chana and 7.98 MT of masoor.
• NAFED has opened 137 centres through State Level Agencies and additional direct centres for chana and masoor procurement.
• NAFED has procured 3,850 MT of chana and 109 MT of masoor, benefiting thousands of farmers.

Policy Significance and Supply Chain Impact

The expansion reflects a stronger MSP procurement ecosystem and a push for better price realisation for farmers. It also improves transparency through digital platforms and strengthens formal supply chains. The initiative supports food security, price stabilisation, and the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda by improving pulse procurement, storage, and market access.