A Big Boost for Farmers: MSP Hiked for 14 Kharif Crops
Cabinet Approves Hike in MSP for 14 Kharif Crops for 2025–26: The Indian Cabinet has approved a significant hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 major Kharif crops for the 2025–26 season. This decision, taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to give farmers fair and assured income for their produce. The announcement came on May 29, 2025, and promises a financial outlay of ₹2.07 lakh crore.
The goal is clear: double farmers’ income, reduce distress sales, and strengthen rural livelihoods. This policy also sticks to the promise made in Union Budget 2018–19, which ensured MSPs would be 1.5 times the cost of production.
Top Gainers are Nigerseed, Ragi, Cotton, and Sesamum
Among the 14 crops, nigerseed received the highest MSP hike—₹820 per quintal. It will now fetch ₹9,537 per quintal. Next is ragi, also known as finger millet, with a ₹596 increase. Cotton saw a rise too: medium staple cotton by ₹589 and long staple by ₹589 as well. Sesamum, a vital oilseed, rose by ₹579.
These changes directly impact farmers growing these crops in states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, where these crops are widely cultivated.
Better Profit Margins: Bajra and Maize Lead the Pack
The government has also ensured higher profit margins for several crops. For instance, bajra (pearl millet) shows a 63% return over input costs, while maize and tur (pigeon pea) give around 59% margins. Urad (black gram) follows with a 53% profit.
For the rest of the crops, the margin is at least 50%, offering security and motivation to small and marginal farmers.
Promoting Nutri-Cereals by the Initiative of Shree Anna
In line with its focus on nutrition and sustainability, the government continues to support nutri-cereals, also known as Shree Anna. Crops like ragi, bajra, and jowar not only promote better health but are also climate-resilient, requiring less water and synthetic input. This move supports both soil health and food diversity.
Special Attention to Raw Jute Farmers
Raw jute, a major cash crop in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Odisha, saw its MSP raised by 6%, now priced at ₹5,650 per quintal. This brings relief to jute-growing regions that rely heavily on this crop for income.
A Decade of Growth
A comparison between 2004–2014 and 2014–2025 shows massive improvement in crop procurement and MSP payouts:
- Paddy procurement rose from 4,590 LMT to 7,608 LMT
- Procurement of all 14 crops jumped from 4,679 LMT to 7,871 LMT
- MSP payouts for paddy went from ₹4.44 lakh crore to ₹14.16 lakh crore
- For all 14 crops, it rose from ₹4.75 lakh crore to ₹16.35 lakh crore
This 3.5X to 4X increase highlights the government’s focus on agricultural welfare and rural empowerment.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Topic | Detail |
| Number of Kharif Crops | 14 |
| Highest MSP Increase | Nigerseed: ₹820 |
| MSP of Nigerseed (2025–26) | ₹9,537 per quintal |
| Top Profit Margin Crop | Bajra – 63% |
| Nutri-Cereals Name | Shree Anna |
| Jute MSP Revised | ₹5,650 per quintal |
| Major Jute Producing States | West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Odisha |
| Cabinet Committee | CCEA chaired by PM Modi |
| First MSP 1.5x Formula Mention | Union Budget 2018–19 |
| Total MSP Payment Since 2014 | ₹16.35 lakh crore |
| Paddy Procurement (2014–2025) | 7,608 LMT |
| Cotton MSP (2025–26) | ₹7,710 (Medium), ₹8,110 (Long) |
