On May 28, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif Crops for the Marketing Season 2025-26. This decision aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers, aligning with the government’s commitment to support agricultural growth.
Key MSP Increases for Kharif Crops
Significant Hikes to Support Farmers
The MSP for Kharif Crops for 2025-26 has been increased to provide farmers with a margin of at least 50% over the cost of production, as per the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement. The highest absolute increases in MSP over the previous year are:
- Nigerseed: ₹820 per quintal increase, reaching ₹9,537 per quintal.
- Ragi: ₹596 per quintal increase, reaching ₹4,886 per quintal.
- Cotton (Medium Staple): ₹589 per quintal increase, reaching ₹7,710 per quintal.
- Sesamum: ₹579 per quintal increase, reaching ₹9,846 per quintal.
These hikes reflect the government’s focus on promoting nutri-cereals, oilseeds, and pulses alongside traditional cereals.
MSP Details for Kharif Crops 2025-26
Comprehensive MSP Breakdown
The MSP for all 14 Kharif Crops for the 2025-26 season, along with their margins over production costs, is detailed below:
| Crop | MSP 2025-26 (₹/Quintal) | Cost (₹/Quintal) | Margin Over Cost (%) | MSP Increase Over 2024-25 (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy (Common) | 2,369 | 1,579 | 50 | 69 |
| Jowar (Hybrid) | 3,699 | 2,466 | 50 | 328 |
| Bajra | 2,775 | 1,703 | 63 | 150 |
| Ragi | 4,886 | 3,257 | 50 | 596 |
| Maize | 2,400 | 1,508 | 59 | 175 |
| Tur/Arhar | 8,000 | 5,038 | 59 | 450 |
| Moong | 8,768 | 5,845 | 50 | 86 |
| Urad | 7,800 | 5,114 | 53 | 400 |
| Groundnut | 7,263 | 4,842 | 50 | 480 |
| Sunflower Seed | 7,721 | 5,147 | 50 | 441 |
| Soybean (Yellow) | 5,328 | 3,552 | 50 | 436 |
| Sesamum | 9,846 | 6,564 | 50 | 579 |
| Nigerseed | 9,537 | 6,358 | 50 | 820 |
| Cotton (Medium Staple) | 7,710 | 5,140 | 50 | 589 |
The highest margins over production costs are for Bajra (63%), Maize (59%), and Tur/Arhar (59%), ensuring significant returns for farmers.
Procurement and MSP Payments
Supporting Agricultural Growth
The government has significantly increased procurement and MSP payments over the years. From 2014-15 to 2024-25, 7,608 LMT of paddy was procured, compared to 4,590 LMT from 2004-05 to 2013-14. For all 14 Kharif crops, procurement reached 7,871 LMT during 2014-15 to 2024-25, compared to 4,679 LMT in the previous decade. MSP payments to farmers also saw a substantial rise:
- Paddy: ₹14.16 lakh crore (2014-15 to 2024-25) vs. ₹4.44 lakh crore (2004-05 to 2013-14).
- All Kharif Crops: ₹16.35 lakh crore (2014-15 to 2024-25) vs. ₹4.75 lakh crore (2004-05 to 2013-14).
These figures highlight the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural economy.
Key Highlights:
- The Cabinet approved MSP for 14 Kharif Crops for 2025-26 on May 28, 2025.
- Highest MSP increases: Nigerseed (₹820/quintal), Ragi (₹596/quintal), Cotton (₹589/quintal).
- MSP ensures at least 50% margin over production costs, with Bajra at 63%.
- Procurement (2014-15 to 2024-25): 7,608 LMT for paddy, 7,871 LMT for all Kharif crops.
- MSP payments (2014-15 to 2024-25): ₹16.35 lakh crore for Kharif crops.