Government orders procurement of sunflower seeds at ₹7,721

The state government has ordered the purchase of sunflower seeds for the 2025-26 rabi season in 11 districts at a support price of ₹ 7,721 per quintal under the support price scheme.

Sugar, Textile and Agricultural Marketing Minister Shivanand Patil directed officials to open purchasing centers in Bagalkot, Belagavi, Ballari, Vijayapura, Chamarajanagar, Chitradurga, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Vijayanagara, Raichur and Dharwad districts in accordance with the Union government’s support price guidelines.

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and India Ltd. While the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) has been appointed as the purchasing agency of the Union government, the Karnataka Cooperative Oilseed Growers Federation will act as the purchasing agency of the State government.

Farmers must complete their registration within the next 50 days, while purchases will be made within the next 60 days. Deputy commissioners heading the District Working Group Committees have been instructed to initiate the registration and procurement process immediately.

In order to provide convenience to farmers in rural areas, purchasing centers will be opened in cooperation with organizations that have warehouses with the necessary technical and scientific facilities. Mr. Patil said that preparations should start early to avoid any problems during registration and purchase.

He also directed officials to ensure that traders and purchasing agencies should not misuse support price purchasing centers on behalf of farmers.

Mr. Patil said officials have been asked to submit details of the procurement process to the State government and the Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board on a daily basis.