MSP Significantly Increased for 6 Rabi Crops for 2027-28 Season, Profits up to 106% Over Cost

The Central Government has approved a substantial increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all six mandatory crops for the Rabi marketing season 2027-28. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, stated during a press conference that this decision was taken with the objective of economic empowerment and increasing the income of farmers.

The Union Minister explained that according to government policy, a profit of at least 50% or more over the average cost of production (A2+FL) has been ensured for farmers. The MSP announced for the Rabi season 2027-28 provides a margin ranging from 50% to 106% over the all-India weighted average cost of production. The highest margins have been set for wheat at 106%, rapeseed and mustard at 96%, and lentils at 92%.

The new MSP rates for Rabi crops are as follows: - Safflower: New MSP ₹7,215 per quintal (increase of ₹675) - Rapeseed & Mustard: New MSP ₹6,613 per quintal (increase of ₹413) - Lentil: New MSP ₹7,390 per quintal (increase of ₹390) - Barley: New MSP ₹2,286 per quintal (increase of ₹136) - Gram: New MSP ₹5,958 per quintal (increase of ₹83) - Wheat: New MSP ₹2,610 per quintal (increase of ₹25)

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan noted that between 2004-05 and 2013-14, ₹2.65 lakh crore was paid for the MSP procurement of Rabi crops, which has increased to ₹8.36 lakh crore during the tenure of the Modi government (2014-15 to 2025-26).

To reduce dependence on the import of pulses, the MSP for lentils and gram has been increased under the 'National Pulses Mission.' Additionally, the 'Rice Fallow Area' initiative has been launched, under which farmers will be provided with advanced seeds, technical consultancy, and financial assistance to grow pulse crops in fields that remain empty after the paddy harvest.

To achieve self-reliance in the oilseeds sector, significant increases in the support price have been made for mustard and rapeseed, as well as safflower, which is grown in tribal areas. To boost the production of barley and prevent foreign imports while encouraging water conservation, its MSP has been increased by ₹136 per quintal.

The Ministry of Agriculture has also prepared 'State-Specific Rabi Plans' tailored to the needs of various states. Plans for drought-resistant crops have been designed for drought-affected states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka, while an intensive production-focused strategy is being implemented for states including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.