Government procurement at MSP important part of country’s food security, says Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the government is committed to procure 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.
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).
“The recent three big agri reforms are major steps towards expanding agriculture and increasing farmers’ income,” he said, adding that the reforms in the Essential Commodities (EC) Act will make mandis more competitive, enhance farmers’ income and address the problem of food wastage.