Modi Govt Increases MSP for Key Kharif Crops to Support Farmers

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th May: In a welcome move for farmers across the country, the central government on Wednesday approved a hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy and several key kharif crops for the 2025–26 season. The decision, taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is aimed at ensuring better earnings for cultivators amid rising input costs.

The MSP for common paddy has been increased by ₹69 to ₹2,369 per quintal, while the A-grade variety will now fetch ₹2,389 per quintal. The hike, although modest at 3%, signals the government’s continued effort to support farmers through assured pricing for their produce.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the increase reflects the Centre’s ongoing commitment to rural prosperity. “This step is in line with the government’s 2018 promise to keep MSP at least 1.5 times the average cost of production. It is designed to give farmers a fair return and financial security,” he told reporters.

Pulses and oilseeds also saw substantial increases. The MSP for tur (arhar) dal was raised by ₹450 to ₹8,000 per quintal, while urad went up by ₹400 to ₹7,800. Moong’s MSP rose by ₹86, now set at ₹8,768 per quintal.

Among oilseeds, nigerseed saw the steepest jump, followed by ragi, cotton, and sesamum, indicating the government’s focus on encouraging diversification of crops beyond paddy.

The revised MSPs will come into effect for the kharif marketing season of 2025–26, which begins in July. For millions of farmers, this hike offers a sense of reassurance as they prepare their fields for the upcoming monsoon-driven sowing period.