Centre increases MSP of key rabi crops ahead of Diwali

In a pre-Diwali boost for farmers, the Centre on Wednesday raised the minimum support price (MSP) of key rabi crops for 2025-26 marketing season, with rapeseed and mustard witnessing the highest hike of Rs 300 per quintal, followed by lentil (masur) at Rs  275 per quintal.

The decision to hike the MSP for rabi crops was cleared by the Union Cabinet, which met on Wednesday morning. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the hiked MSP aims to ensure farmers receive a fair value for their harvests.

The highest MSP hike was given to rapeseed and mustard, with a rise of Rs 300 per quintal (from Rs 5,650 to Rs 5,950), followed by lentil (masur), which saw an increase of Rs 275 per quintal (from Rs 6,425 to Rs 6,700).

The MSP for wheat was raised by Rs 150 per quintal, from Rs 2,275 to Rs 2,425. Mustard saw an increase of Rs 300 per quintal, bringing its MSP to Rs 5,950, while the MSP for gram rose by Rs 210 to Rs 5,650 per quintal.

For gram, wheat, safflower and barley, the MSPs increased by Rs 210 per quintal (from Rs 5,440 to Rs 5,650), Rs 150 per quintal, Rs 140 per quintal, and Rs 130 per quintal, respectively.

“The cost of six Rabi crops has been decided on the basis of projections of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP),” said Vaishnaw, adding that CACP takes into account the inflation while deciding the MSP.

The minister further claimed that there has been a moderation in inflation in recent times. The MSP acts as a safety net for farmers, ensuring they are shielded from abrupt price drops. It plays a crucial role in maintaining food security and serves as a reference for market price discovery. By providing financial stability, the system encourages better agricultural production.

Rs 300 per quintal hike for rapeseed, mustard

The highest MSP hike was given to rapeseed and mustard, with a rise of Rs 300 per quintal (from Rs 5,650 to Rs 5,950), followed by lentil (masur), which saw an increase of Rs 275 per quintal (from Rs 6,425 to Rs 6,700). The MSP for wheat was raised by Rs 150 per quintal, from Rs 2,275 to Rs 2,425. Mustard saw an increase of Rs 300 per quintal, bringing its MSP to Rs 5,950, while the MSP for gram rose by Rs 210 to Rs 5,650 per quintal.