Cabinet approves hike in minimum support prices for various kharif crops amid farmers’ protest
The Centre hiked minimum selling price (MSP) for various kharif crops for the summer-sown season, ranging between 50% and 62%, following a decision taken by the cabinet on Wednesday.
FollowIn a bid to increase the farmers' income, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an increase in minimum support prices (MSP) for various kharif crops or the summer-sown crops for marketing season 2021-22.
The Centre has hiked paddy MSP by Rs 72 to Rs 1,940 per quintal for 2021-22 crop year from Rs 1,868 per quintal last year.
Announcing the Cabinet decisions during a media briefing, Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that MSP of paddy has been increased to Rs 1,940 per quintal in 2021-22 from Rs 1,868 per quintal in 2020-21.
Similarly, the MSP for bajra, pulses and other crops have also been raised.
"Highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for sesamum (Rs 452 per quintal) followed by tur and urad (Rs 300 per quintal each)," he said.
MSP is a floor price determined by the Centre for crops aimed to avoid distress sale by signalling a minimum rate for private traders.
The government, through the state-run Food Corporation of India, buys large quantities of cereals from farmers at MSP rates and distributes them to beneficiaries via the public distribution system (PDS).
The government raises minimum support prices of crops twice a year, once ahead of the winter-sown (rabi) season and the second time for the summer-sown (kharif) season.
The decision comes in the backdrop of the ongoing farmer agitation against the three new farm laws. The agitation, which has been going on since last November at Delhi borders, is being revived as the stalemate between the farmers and government continues.
The farmers want all three laws to be withdrawn fearing they will lead to the end of the MSP system. The government has assured that MSP will continue.
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