Farmer groups call wheat MSP hike an insult

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmer organizations, has strongly criticized the government's minimum support prices (MSPs) for Rabi crops announced on September 30 for the 2027-28 season. The SKM deemed the 25 paise per kilogram (Rs 25 per quintal) increase for wheat an "insult." The coalition demanded an immediate revision of MSPs for all Rabi crops and the freedom for states to offer bonuses.

SKM alleged that the central government and the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices disregarded recommendations from states and rising input costs, particularly diesel. The coalition called for a rollback of diesel price hikes, citing a Rs 7.5 per litre increase. The government defended the MSPs, stating they accounted for deficient monsoon rainfall and aimed to promote lower water-consuming crops like oilseeds, pulses, and coarse grains.

Wheat's MSP saw a less than 1% increase, rising from Rs 2,585 to Rs 2,610 per quintal. Safflower received the largest hike of Rs 675 per quintal, followed by rapeseed and mustard at Rs 413. Other crops like lentil, barley, and gram also saw increases. Agriculture expert Sudhir Panwar noted that the hike fell short of covering input-cost inflation.