Government Raises MSP for Winter Crops by Up to 10%

The Indian government has announced an increase in the minimum support prices (MSP) for winter-sown crops for the 2026-27 marketing season, with hikes ranging from 4% to 10%. The MSP for wheat, a crucial rabi crop, has been raised by 6.6% to ₹2,585 per quintal. This increase mirrors last year's adjustment and follows a significant 7.05% rise in the previous marketing year.

Wheat is the second-largest crop in India after paddy, and the government has set an ambitious production target of 119 million tonnes for the 2025-26 crop year, up from an estimated 117.5 million tonnes for 2024-25. The MSP adjustments are part of a broader strategy to ensure farmers receive fair prices and to encourage crop diversification.

In addition to wheat, the MSP for gram has been increased by 4% to ₹5,875 per quintal, while the MSP for lentils (masur) has risen by 4.4% to ₹7,000 per quintal. The highest increase of over 10% was approved for safflower seed, which is now priced at ₹6,540 per quintal. The MSP for mustard seed has also been raised by ₹250 to ₹6,200 per quintal.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the government aims to procure 29.7 million tonnes of rabi crops, including wheat, mustard, gram, and lentils, with an estimated expenditure of ₹84,263 crore for these purchases. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other agencies are expected to increase their procurement volumes in the upcoming season.

The MSPs are determined based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), which evaluates the cost of production and market conditions. The new MSPs are designed to provide farmers with a margin over their production costs, which is projected to be 109% for wheat and 93% for mustard, among others. The government continues to support farmers through these price adjustments, aiming to stabilize the agricultural sector and enhance food security in the country.