Pioneer in short

Govt raises MSP for kharif crops

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy by Rs 72 to Rs 2,441 per quintal for the 2026-27 kharif marketing season, while announcing sharper hikes for pulses, oilseeds and cotton to encourage crop diversification and reduce import dependence. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved MSPs for 14 kharif crops ahead of the June sowing season. MSP for A-grade paddy was fixed at Rs 2,461 per quintal. Among major increases, sunflower seed MSP was raised by Rs 622 to Rs 8,343 per quintal — the steepest hike — followed by cotton (medium staple), up Rs 557 to Rs 8,267 per quintal. Sesamum, nigerseed, soyabean and groundnut also saw sizeable increases. In pulses, tur MSP was increased by Rs 450 to Rs 8,450 per quintal and urad by Rs 400 to Rs 8,200 per quintal, while moong rose marginally by Rs 12.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said MSPs were fixed at least 50 per cent above production costs to ensure remunerative prices for farmers. The government estimated total farmer payout at Rs 2.60 lakh crore with procurement projected at 824.41 lakh tonnes.