UP Sets New Milestone: Record ‘Shri Anna’ Procurement for Kharif 2025–26

Farmers in Uttar Pradesh show a strong preference for government procurement over open markets as the Yogi Adityanath administration ensures faster payments and fair MSP rates.

By Prem Kumar Mon, 5 Jan 2026

UP Sets New Milestone: Record ‘Shri Anna’ Procurement for Kharif 2025–26

Lucknow | January 5, 2026 — The Kharif Marketing Year 2025–26 has concluded with a resounding success for the "Shri Anna" (Millets) procurement program in Uttar Pradesh. Data reveals a significant shift in farmer behavior, with cultivators increasingly opting for the government’s procurement system over the open market, driven by transparent policies and timely financial settlements.

A Season of Records

The procurement cycle, which began on October 1, has successfully wrapped up with impressive volumes across Millet, Sorghum, and Maize. The state government has not only expanded its reach but also established a new benchmark for higher procurement and rapid direct-benefit transfers to farmers' accounts.

Total Procurement at a Glance:

Millet (Bajra): 2.13 Lakh Metric Tonnes (MT)
Sorghum (Jowar): 43,562 Metric Tonnes (MT)
Maize (Makka): 13,209 Metric Tonnes (MT)

Guaranteed Prosperity: MSP Rates for 2025–26

To support the vision of doubled farmer income, the government fixed competitive Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for this marketing year:

Crop Type	MSP Rate (Per Quintal)
Sorghum (Maldandi)	₹3,749
Sorghum (Hybrid)	₹3,699
Millet (Bajra)	₹2,775
Maize (Makka)	₹2,400

Segment-Wise Performance

1. Millet (Bajra): A Massive Leap

Millet procurement saw a dramatic rise compared to the previous year.

Registered Farmers: 90,513
Participation: 54,253 farmers successfully sold their produce.
Total Payout: ₹598.04 Crore was disbursed.
Comparison: In 2024–25, only 1.01 lakh MT was procured, making this year's 2.13 lakh MT more than double the previous volume.

2. Sorghum (Jowar)

Procured across 11 key districts, Sorghum cultivation is gaining momentum.

Participation: 13,454 farmers.
Total Payout: ₹162 Crore.

3. Maize (Makka)

Maize procurement was conducted across 25 districts, focusing on central and western UP.

Participation: 3,445 farmers.
Total Payout: ₹31.96 Crore.

Regional Reach

The procurement was strategically spread across the state to ensure every farmer had access to a government center:

Millet Centers: Operational in 33 districts including Agra, Aligarh, Budaun, Bulandshahr, Prayagraj, and Mirzapur.
Maize Centers: Available in 25 districts such as Hardoi, Unnao, Mainpuri, Bahraich, and Ballia.
Sorghum Centers: Focused in 11 districts including Banda, Hamirpur, Mahoba, and Jalaun.

Why Farmers are Choosing Govt Procurement

The surge in participation is attributed to the Yogi Government’s farmer-centric approach. By eliminating middlemen and ensuring that payments are transferred directly to bank accounts shortly after procurement, the state has built a robust layer of trust. Furthermore, the government’s push for "Shri Anna" as a superfood has encouraged more farmers to diversify their crops, knowing they have a guaranteed and profitable buyer in the state.