Rs 54 MSP for black gram in 3 districts

Kandasamy, who recently inaugurated the scheme at the Kilpennatur regulated market near Tiruvannamalai assured the farmers that they would be paid Rs 54 per kilo as against the market price of Rs 47. This follows abundant black gram production that led to prices sliding from Rs 100 per kilo last year. 

When this was brought to the notice of the state government, orders were issued to procure black gram from farmers in Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram districts through regulated markets. In Tiruvannamalai district regulated markets would function at Kilpennatur and Vandavasi, Kandasamy said. 

Tiruvannamalai district produced 13,000 tonnes of black gram in 65,000 acres. The regulated markets plan to procure 400 tonnes when the MSP will be in operation between April 13 and June 30 this year. 

Farmers producing black gram are to register themselves in the above mentioned regulated markets by submitting copies of the chitta, adangal and Aadhaar copies along with the first page of their bank pass book, with a production certificate from the nearest AO (Agricultural Officer) of Assistant AO. The produce will be weighed only if it meets NAFED norms, Kandasamy said.  The move will ensure farmers receiving payment of Rs 28 lakh for their produce, he added.