The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season, with an estimated outlay of nearly Rs 2.6 lakh crore for procurement operations.
Which crops gain the most
The decision covers paddy, maize, pulses, oilseeds and millets. The steepest absolute increases have gone to sunflower seed, up Rs 622 per quintal, followed by cotton, up Rs 557 per quintal, nigerseed, up Rs 515 per quintal, and sesamum, up Rs 500 per quintal.
How the margins are calculated
The government said the new MSPs continue to follow the 2018-19 Union Budget commitment of fixing support prices at a minimum of 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production. Officials estimate the highest margin over production cost will go to moong growers, at 61%, followed by bajra and maize at 56% each, and tur/arhar at 54%.
Why timing matters
The announcement comes ahead of the kharif sowing season across North India, giving farmers price certainty for crops that will be harvested later this year. Farmer groups in several states have in the past pressed for faster and fuller procurement at MSP rates, alongside the price increase itself, and will be watching how smoothly this season’s procurement is implemented.
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