Rajasthan High Court Issues Notice on Farmers’ Plea Alleging Failure in MSP Crop Procurement
Court Says Farmers’ Complaints Appear Genuine at First Glance, Seeks Detailed Response From State and Procurement Agencies
In a significant development concerning agricultural procurement, the Rajasthan High Court has issued notices to the State Government, the Food Corporation of India (FCI), and other procurement agencies on a petition alleging large-scale failure in the procurement of crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Observing that the grievances raised by farmers appeared genuine at first glance, the Court remarked that a welfare State has a duty to ensure that farmers receive fair value for their produce.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Maneesh Sharma made the observations while hearing a long-pending petition filed by farmer leader Rampal Jat. The petition alleges that despite crops meeting the prescribed quality standards, procurement agencies have failed to purchase them at MSP, forcing cultivators to sell their produce in the open market at significantly lower prices.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners argued that farmers growing crops such as makka (maize), bajra (pearl millet), moong (green gram), and chana (gram) have suffered substantial financial losses because procurement centres either refused to purchase their produce or curtailed procurement operations well before the notified period ended. As a result, many farmers allegedly had no option but to accept distress prices in local mandis.
Taking note of these submissions, the High Court observed, “Prima facie, submissions made at the Bar reflect the genuine grievance of the farmers. It is the duty of the welfare State to see that the farmers’ crops are sold in a manner that they are able to sustain their livings.” The Bench described the issue as one of grave public importance, highlighting its direct impact on rural livelihoods and agricultural sustainability.
The Court directed the Rajasthan Government to file a comprehensive affidavit explaining the steps taken to procure crops at MSP and to clarify whether procurement authorities possess any discretion to refuse purchase of eligible crops despite the MSP policy. The Bench also sought details of the operational framework governing procurement of different commodities in the State.
Recognising that multiple agencies are involved in procurement, the High Court ordered the impleadment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and issued notices to the Rajasthan State Co-operative Marketing Federation (RajFed) and the Krishi Vikas Sahakari Samiti, requiring them to explain their role in the alleged procurement failures.
The petition also seeks stronger legal protection for farmers by urging effective implementation of the MSP regime. It argues that notified crops should be procured at the declared support price and that farmers should not be left dependent on administrative discretion, especially when market prices fall substantially below the MSP. The plea further highlights the need for improved warehousing facilities and access to institutional credit so that cultivators are not compelled to make distress sales immediately after harvest.
To ensure an expeditious resolution, the High Court listed the matter for July 30, 2026, and made it clear that no further adjournment would be granted. The Bench warned that if the required replies are not filed within the stipulated time, the concerned officers would be required to appear personally before the Court.
Legal experts believe the proceedings could have far-reaching implications for agricultural policy in Rajasthan. If the Court ultimately finds systemic deficiencies in MSP procurement, the case may lead to judicial directions strengthening procurement mechanisms, enhancing accountability of government agencies, and ensuring that farmers are able to realize the minimum support prices announced for their crops.
