MSP raised for seven Rabi crops, mustard big gainer

The government on Wednesday raised the minimum support prices (MSP) by up to 5% for seven rabi crops for the upcoming 2025-26 marketing season, with mustard and rapeseed witnessing the highest increase in rupee terms, followed by lentils and chana.

"This increased MSP of rabi crops will ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and incentivise crop diversification," the government said in a statement.

The MSP of wheat, which is a major rabi crop, has been increased by Rs 150 per quintal.

As India aims to reduce import dependence on edible oil and pulses, the government increased the MSP for rapeseed and mustard by ₹300 per quintal, and lentil (masur) by ₹275 per quintal. For chana, the increase is Rs 210 per quintal.

The higher MSP for mustard and chana is expected to provide farmers with better returns and encourage more cultivation of these crops, which are crucial for India's edible oil and pulses supply.

Inflation in pulses has been staying high since last year as erratic rainfall reduced the crop size for two consecutive years, forcing the government to remove import restrictions to increase domestic supply. The government has promised farmers to procure unlimited amounts of tur, urad and masur at MSP, provided they register on its portal.