Key Revisions in Support Prices for Wheat, Barley, Pulses, and Oilseeds
NEW DELHI (Economy India): The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has announced Minimum Support Price (MSP) hikes for six major Rabi crops, benefiting farmers across the country. The new rates will be applicable for the 2025-26 procurement season.
Addressing the media, Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the importance of these decisions for ensuring fair prices and profits for farmers. The crops covered under this announcement include wheat, barley, gram (chana), lentil (masoor), rapeseed-mustard, and safflower (kusum).
Revised MSP for Rabi Crops
The MSP for wheat has been raised by ₹150 per quintal to ₹2,425 per quintal, while barley will now fetch ₹1,980 per quintal, up by ₹130. Significant hikes have also been announced for pulses and oilseeds:
- Gram (Chana): ₹5,650 per quintal (₹210 increase)
- Lentil (Masoor): ₹6,700 per quintal (₹275 increase)
- Rapeseed-Mustard: ₹5,950 per quintal (₹300 increase)
- Safflower (Kusum): ₹5,940 per quintal (₹140 increase)
Support for Perishable Crops and Transportation Costs
Minister Chouhan emphasized the government’s efforts to reduce losses for perishable crops, such as vegetables. Farmers will now be able to sell these crops directly in urban markets, with the government bearing the transportation costs. Additionally, schemes like Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana will ensure fair compensation to farmers if market prices fall below a certain level.
“We aim to provide farmers with the right price and create avenues for direct market access,” Chouhan said.
Comparison with 2014: Higher Prices and Expanded Procurement
Minister Chouhan compared the current MSPs with those during the Congress government in 2014, showcasing the stark differences:
- Wheat: ₹2,425 per quintal (up from ₹1,400 in 2014)
- Barley: ₹1,980 per quintal (up from ₹1,100)
- Gram: ₹5,650 per quintal (up from ₹3,100)
- Lentil: ₹6,700 per quintal (up from ₹2,950)
- Safflower: ₹5,940 per quintal (up from ₹3,000)
- Mustard: ₹5,950 per quintal (up from ₹3,050)
“Under the Modi government, not only do we purchase wheat, but we have also committed to buying arhar, masoor, and urad dal to support farmers,” Chouhan said.
Changes in Import and Export Policies
The government has also revised its import and export policies to benefit domestic farmers. Minister Chouhan explained that the import duty on edible oils has been raised to 27.5% from zero, driving up the prices of crops like soybean.
To manage supply and demand, the export duty on onions has been reduced from 40% to 20%, and restrictions on rice exports have been lifted.
Government’s Commitment to Farmers
Minister Chouhan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his consistent focus on pro-farmer policies, including MSP hikes and expanded crop procurement. “The government’s priority is to ensure farmers earn at least 50% profit above their production costs,” Chouhan stated.
He also assured farmers that similar farmer-friendly policies will continue in the future. “This is not just a policy announcement; it reflects our commitment to supporting farmers and improving their livelihoods,” he added.
The MSP revision is expected to provide a significant boost to agriculture and benefit farmers by ensuring better price realization. With increased procurement, improved access to urban markets, and policy shifts in imports and exports, the government aims to build a more resilient agricultural sector.
(Economy India)
