Central Cabinet Approves Major Price Hikes for 14 Kharif Crops to Bolster Farm Incomes
NEW DELHI MAY 13,2026 :-The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved a significant increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season. This strategic move aims to ensure remunerative returns for farmers, with the highest price hikes seen in Sunflower Seed at ₹622 per quintal, followed by Cotton at ₹557, Nigerseed at ₹515, and Sesamum at ₹500. This adjustment aligns with the government’s long-standing commitment to fix MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production. Consequently, farmers are expected to see substantial profit margins, particularly for Moong at 61%, and Bajra and Maize at 56% each, while all other approved crops maintain a margin of at least 50% over production costs.
Beyond the immediate price increases, the policy reflects a broader effort to diversify Indian agriculture by incentivizing the cultivation of oilseeds, pulses, and nutri-cereals over traditional staples. Detailed data released alongside the decision highlights a significant jump in government procurement and financial support over the past decade; between 2014 and 2026, the total MSP payout for Kharif crops reached ₹18.99 Lakh Crore, a massive increase compared to the ₹4.75 Lakh Crore paid during the preceding ten-year period. By strengthening the financial safety net for growers of crops like Tur, Soyabean, and Ragi, the administration continues to focus on enhancing national food security and boosting the rural economy through sustainable and profitable farming practices.