New Delhi: In a strategic move ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, the Union Cabinet has officially declared a substantial increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for a variety of Rabi crops for the 2024-25 season. Union Minister Anurag Thakur made this announcement on Tuesday, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring farmers receive remunerative prices and adhering to the principle of setting MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production, as established in the Union Budget 2018-19.

Speaking at a press conference, Thakur disclosed that the central government is raising the MSP for wheat by a notable Rs 150 per quintal, setting it at Rs 2,275 per quintal for the upcoming 2024-25 season. For context, the current MSP for wheat stands at Rs 2,125 per quintal.

Anurag Thakur elaborated on the decision, stating, "Based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), we have raised the MSP for six essential Rabi crops, with the most significant increase being in the case of wheat, where the MSP has surged by Rs 150 per quintal."

The resolution to heighten the MSP for Rabi crops was reached during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), presided over by Prime Minister Modi. Thakur, who also serves as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), highlighted that the CCEA has granted approval for elevating the MSP for all mandated Rabi crops for the 2024-25 marketing season.

In addition to wheat, the government has received the green light to augment the MSP for several other key Rabi crops. The MSP for lentils (masur) will increase by a substantial Rs 425 per quintal, providing much-needed relief to lentil cultivators. Meanwhile, the MSP for rapeseed and mustard will be raised by Rs 200 per quintal, marking a positive development for the producers of these crops. For safflower, the government has decided to increase the MSP by Rs 150 per quintal.

The government has also given the nod to enhance the MSP of barley and gram, with increments of Rs 115 and Rs 105 per quintal, respectively. These moves aim to bolster the economic well-being of farmers and secure their livelihoods while ensuring a stable and flourishing agricultural sector.

Minimum Support Prices Table for All Rabi Crops During the 2024-25 Marketing Season

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