NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season. This decision aims to ensure farmers receive remunerative returns for their produce.
The Chenab Times has learned that the highest increase in MSP was announced for sunflower seeds, with an upward revision of Rs 622 per quintal. This was followed by cotton, which will see an increase of Rs 557 per quintal, nigerseed at Rs 515 per quintal, and sesamum at Rs 500 per quintal.
For common paddy, the MSP has been set at Rs 2,441 per quintal, marking an increase of Rs 72 from the previous season. Grade A paddy will be procured at Rs 2,461 per quintal.
Among the pulses, the MSP for tur, also known as arhar, has been raised to Rs 8,450 per quintal. Moong will be supported at Rs 8,780 per quintal, and urad at Rs 8,200 per quintal.
In the oilseeds category, the MSP for sunflower seeds is now fixed at Rs 8,343 per quintal. Soybean will be procured at Rs 5,708 per quintal, and sesamum at Rs 10,346 per quintal.
The government stated that these revised MSPs are in alignment with the commitment made in the Union Budget of 2018-19, which mandated fixing support prices at least 1.5 times the weighted average cost of production.
Official sources indicated that the expected returns over the cost of production are highest for moong, standing at 61 percent. Bajra and maize are projected to yield 56 percent returns each, while tur is expected to provide 54 percent returns over production costs.
The Centre has been actively promoting the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, and nutri-cereals by offering comparatively higher MSPs for these specific crops. This strategy is designed to diversify agricultural output and enhance nutritional security.
According to available official figures, the procurement of 14 Kharif crops saw a significant rise, reaching 8,746 lakh metric tonnes during the period from 2014-15 to 2025-26. This represents a substantial increase compared to the 4,679 lakh metric tonnes procured between 2004-05 and 2013-14.
The government also highlighted that MSP payments to farmers for Kharif crops have increased substantially over the past decade. Paddy growers alone have collectively received Rs 16.08 lakh crore between the 2014-15 and 2025-26 marketing seasons, reflecting the enhanced financial support provided to the agricultural sector.
The Chenab Times News Desk