Centre Relaxes Soya Bean Procurement Rules Ahead of Maharashtra Election

• The Centre has relaxed the norms for procuring soya beans before the Maharashtra election.

• Soya beans with moisture content up to 15% can be procured by the States under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).

• The move follows protests from farmers demanding steady crop procurement in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

• The decision was based on the “representations received” and the Union Agriculture Ministry had no objection.

• The Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED and NCC) are directed to make payments to State level procuring agencies at the price after adjusting the value of the relaxed moisture percentage.