Overview The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has commenced direct procurement of maize from farmers at the government-fixed support price. This initiative aims to support local farmers and ensure a steady supply of maize for cattle feed production. The procurement process is facilitated through local cooperative societies across the Chamarajanagar district via the Chamarajanagar District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (CHAMUL) . Key Developments Procurement Process Direct Procurement: KMF is purchasing maize directly from farmers, eliminating intermediaries. Support Price: The State government has fixed a support price of ₹2,400 per quintal , which includes the base price, cost of gunny bags, and transportation. Quality Norms: Procurement is subject to quality standards to ensure the maize is suitable for cattle feed. Registration and Payment e-Samridhi Platform: Registration is conducted through the e-Samridhi platform developed by NCDEX eMarkets Limited (NeML) . FRUITS Software: The State’s Farmer Registration and Unified beneficiary Information System (FRUITS) software is also utilized. Eligibility: Only farmers with maize listed in their crop survey records ( RTC ) are eligible. Quantity Limits: A maximum of 20 quintals of FAQ-grade maize per farmer will be procured, with a limit of 12 quintals per acre . Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Payments will be made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank accounts linked with the farmer’s Aadhaar number. Contact Information Farmers interested in selling maize can contact the taluk sub-offices under the jurisdiction of CHAMUL . Contact details include: CHAMUL: 6366824213 Chamarajanagar and Yelandur taluk sub-offices: 9945828993 Gundlupet: 9606098335 Hanur: 9740576484 Kollegal: 6366824224 UPSC Relevance This initiative is relevant to GS3 (Economy) , specifically related to agriculture, government policies, and the role of cooperative societies. It also touches upon the use of technology in agriculture and the implementation of direct benefit transfer schemes. Key Terms KMF: Karnataka Milk Federation, the apex body for dairy cooperatives in Karnataka. CHAMUL: Chamarajanagar District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union, a local cooperative involved in milk production and procurement. Support Price: The minimum price at which the government purchases crops from farmers. e-Samridhi: A platform developed by NCDEX eMarkets Limited (NeML) for farmer registration. FRUITS: Farmer Registration and Unified beneficiary Information System, a state software for farmer registration. RTC: Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops, a land record document. DBT: Direct Benefit Transfer, transferring subsidies directly to people through their bank accounts.