Wheat MSP Hike Criticized as 'Joke on Farmers'

Congress leader Kumari Selja has criticized the Centre's decision to increase the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat by only Rs 25 per quintal for the 2027-28 rabi marketing season. The government has raised the MSP from Rs 2,585 to Rs 2,610 per quintal.

Selja questioned the adequacy of the hike, saying it was less than 1% and did not reflect the rising cost of farming and household expenses faced by farmers. According to government figures cited by her, the cost of wheat production has been estimated at Rs 1,264 per quintal.

Selja emphasized that farmers have to bear increasing expenses on seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, labor, machinery, diesel, and electricity. She urged the government to review the MSP and procurement system for wheat and other crops to ensure that farmers receive prices that properly reflect their costs, labor, and risks.

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has also termed the hike inadequate, with district president Jasbir Singh Jassa calling it a 'joke on farmers'. He urged the Centre to reconsider its decision and suggested that if the MSP is not raised further, the Haryana Government should announce a bonus to make up the difference.