Maharashtra Soybean Farmers Distressed, Sell Below MSP Amid Procurement Shortfalls

• Maharashtra soybean farmers are distressed as the government's procurement target of 19 lakh metric tons is far below the estimated 79-80 lakh metric tons production, forcing them to sell below MSP.
• Farmers are compelled to sell soybean at Rs 3500-4000 per quintal in the open market, significantly below the MSP of Rs 5328 per quintal, due to strict quality standards and crop damage from floods/rain.
• Government procurement requires strict quality standards, including less than 12% moisture and Fair Average Quality (FAQ), which many farmers with damaged crops cannot meet.
• NAFED and NCCF are designated buyers, with 580 centers set up across the state, promising payment via DBT within 3 days for compliant produce.
• The issue led to an uproar in the Maharashtra assembly, with opposition members walking out and accusing the government of exploiting farmers.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra farmers suffer as govt fails to buy enough soybean at MSP.