The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for the 2026–27 season.
The move aims to secure better returns for farmers and promote crop diversification.
Among the crops, sunflower seed received the highest absolute hike of Rs 622 per quintal, while cotton, sesamum, and nigerseed also saw significant increases.
The MSP revision aligns with the government’s 2018–19 policy to ensure farmers earn at least 50% profit over the all-India weighted average cost of production.
Moong offers the highest return at 61%, while sesamum and nigerseed MSPs crossed Rs 10,000 per quintal.
Paddy, maize, bajra, and pulses also saw notable hikes, strengthening food security and farmer incomes.
Since 2014–15, paddy procurement has risen to 8,418 lakh metric tonnes, with MSP payments across kharif crops reaching Rs 18.99 lakh crore.
The government emphasised that the new MSPs will encourage the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, and nutri-cereals, reducing import dependence and boosting domestic production.
