The Union Cabinet has approved higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all major rabi crops for the coming marketing season, with safflower getting the biggest increase of ₹675 per quintal.
The decision was taken ahead of the rabi sowing season and is aimed at giving farmers better returns for crops grown during the winter season. The revised MSPs cover wheat, barley, gram, lentil, rapeseed-mustard and safflower, among other mandated rabi crops.
Safflower has received the highest increase, with its MSP going up by ₹675 per quintal. The government has also raised the support price for wheat and other rabi crops, giving farmers a higher assured price benchmark for their produce.
The MSP is announced by the government after considering recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices. Factors such as cultivation costs, market prices, demand and supply, and the overall economic impact are taken into account while fixing the rates.
For farmers, the MSP serves as an important reference price, particularly during the procurement season. The government’s latest decision comes as farmers across the country prepare their fields for rabi cultivation.
Rabi crops are generally sown between October and December and harvested during the spring months. Wheat remains the main rabi crop in several parts of the country, while mustard, gram, lentil, barley and safflower are also widely cultivated.
The government has said that higher MSPs are intended to improve farm incomes, encourage crop production and support the country’s food security requirements.
With the latest revision, farmers growing the different rabi crops will receive higher MSP rates during the upcoming marketing season, with safflower recording the largest increase among the crops covered by the Cabinet decision.
