Gandhinagar: Gujarat government has purchased Rs 490 crore groundnut on support prices from farmers this season so far, said state Agriculture minister Chimanbhai Saparia.

In a review meeting on groundnut purchase, Saparia said 1.15 lakh mt groundnut was purchased on support prices through 87 centers and further 50,000 tonne will be purchased in next 15 days. He added that government may purchase even more.

Saparia said, the state has proposed center to make changes in NAFED guideline to make 100% payment possible. The state has taken a decision as per guideline to waive off tax and VAT for benifit of farmers.

Gujarat govt has facilitated MoU between NAFED and Banas dairy for purchase and processing of groundnut. With this MoU, groundnut processing and oil production will be increased. A Rs 211.50 crore groundnut processing plant will be set up at Badarpura in Banaskantha district. This will give employment to over 500.

DeshGujarat