New Delhi, May 13 : The Centre on Wednesday approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season, with higher hikes announced for pulses, oilseeds and cotton to promote crop diversification and reduce import dependence.
The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the kharif sowing season beginning in June.
The MSP for common paddy has been increased by Rs 72 to Rs 2,441 per quintal, while A-grade paddy will now be procured at Rs 2,461 per quintal.
Among major crops, sunflower seed recorded the highest increase of Rs 622, taking its MSP to Rs 8,343 per quintal. Cotton MSP also saw a significant hike, with the medium staple variety raised by Rs 557 to Rs 8,267 per quintal and the long staple variety fixed at Rs 8,667 per quintal.
For pulses, the MSP of tur (arhar) was increased by Rs 450 to Rs 8,450 per quintal, while urad rose by Rs 400 to Rs 8,200 per quintal. Soyabean, groundnut, sesamum and nigerseed also received substantial increases.
Briefing the media, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the revised MSPs ensure farmers receive at least 50 per cent more than the cost of production across all notified crops.
The government estimates total procurement payouts to farmers at around Rs 2.60 lakh crore, with annual procurement projected at over 824 lakh tonnes.
