Centre Approves MSP Procurement of Copra and Totapuri Mangoes from Tamil Nadu

The Government of India approved procurement of copra and Totapuri mangoes from Tamil Nadu farmers under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced, following a proposal from the Tamil Nadu government. Under the scheme, the Centre authorised procurement of 87,226 metric tonnes of copra (87,000 MT milling copra and 226 MT ball copra) during 2026 at Minimum Support Price, valued at over Rs. 1,049.16 crore.

Historical Background

The Price Support Scheme (PSS) is operated by the Government of India through NAFED and other agencies to protect farmers of oilseeds, pulses and copra from distress sales when market prices fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Previous Related Events

The Centre has approved copra MSP procurement for Tamil Nadu in previous seasons as well, given the state's leading position in coconut cultivation.

Why Important for TNPSC

MSP mechanisms, PSS operations, and Tamil Nadu's agricultural commodity profile are frequently tested in the Economy and Tamil Nadu Agriculture sections of TNPSC exams.

Economic Relevance

MSP-based procurement shields farmers from market volatility, ensuring remunerative prices and reducing distress sales during bumper harvests.

Tamil Nadu Relevance

Tamil Nadu is among India's top coconut and mango producing states; copra (dried coconut kernel) and Totapuri mango (used heavily in pulp/juice industries) are commercially vital crops for the state's farmers, especially in the Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Krishnagiri and Salem belts.

Key Highlights

• 87,226 MT of copra approved for MSP procurement in Tamil Nadu for 2026.
• Procurement value exceeds Rs. 1,049.16 crore.
• Totapuri mango procurement also approved to protect growers from distress sales.

Important Facts

• Copra procurement is handled through NAFED under the PSS.
• MSP for copra is announced annually by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Ministries Involved

Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Tamil Nadu Department of Agriculture.

Important Personalities

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development.

Organisations and Headquarters

NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India), headquartered in New Delhi, is the nodal procurement agency.

Important Acts and Schemes

Price Support Scheme (PSS); Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism.

Related Static GK

Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh together account for the bulk of India's coconut production; Tamil Nadu is a top producer of Totapuri mangoes.

Important Terms and Definitions

Copra: the dried meat/kernel of the coconut, used to extract coconut oil. Milling copra vs ball copra: milling copra is used for oil extraction, ball copra is a premium variety used for direct edible consumption.

Exam-Oriented Notes

Note the distinction between MSP (a price-support figure) and PSS (the mechanism/agency structure that operationalises procurement at MSP).

Memorization Points

• Copra approved for TN 2026: 87,226 MT.
• Value: over Rs. 1,049 crore.
• Nodal agency: NAFED.

TNPSC-style MCQs

1. Which agency primarily handles MSP procurement of copra in India?

• A) FCI
• B) NAFED
• C) CCI
• D) NABARD

Answer: B) NAFED

Explanation: NAFED, under the Price Support Scheme, is the nodal agency for copra procurement at MSP.

2. The Centre approved procurement of how much copra from Tamil Nadu for 2026?

• A) 8,722 MT
• B) 87,226 MT
• C) 872,260 MT
• D) 8,72,260 MT

Answer: B) 87,226 MT

Explanation: The Centre approved procurement of 87,226 MT of copra (milling + ball copra) from Tamil Nadu.

3. Totapuri, procured under MSP support in Tamil Nadu, is a variety of:

• A) Coconut
• B) Mango
• C) Banana
• D) Groundnut

Answer: B) Mango

Explanation: Totapuri is a mango variety widely grown in Tamil Nadu and used extensively in the pulp and juice industry.