Union Minister Amit Shah directs NAFED and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) to procure pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers, bypassing middlemen. The move is intended to improve price realization for farmers and reduce reliance on intermediaries in the supply chain. The minister also asks the cooperatives to ensure payments to farmers within 48 hours of procurement. According to reports, Shah sets a two-year deadline for implementing the direct farmer-to-organization sales model. The initiative is framed as supporting expanded pulse cultivation and strengthening self-reliance in these commodities. One outlet also notes that NAFED is using a digital auction platform alongside tools for scholarship support and inventory management as part of the effort to streamline procurement and trading. Overall, the guidance focuses on faster payments, a direct buying channel, and operational changes at NAFED to facilitate the shift.