CCEA approves MSP hikes for 6 rabi crops

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday approved the hike in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all mandated six Rabi crops in crop season 2020-21 (July-June).

While announcing the MSP hikes in the Lok Sabha, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar reiterated that procurement of crops at MSP will continue across the country.

The increase in MSPs is in line with the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission, as per a Agriculture Ministry statement.

"Working for the welfare of farmers is a matter of good luck for us. The Cabinet has taken a historic decision on the MSP increase in tune with our priority to work for those providing us food. Crores of farmers will benefit from the decision," Modi tweeted in Hindi.

The highest increase in MSP has been announced for lentils (Rs 300 per quintal), followed by gram, rapeseed and mustard (Rs 225 per quintal each) and safflower (Rs 112 per quintal).

For barley and wheat, an increase of Rs 75 per quintal and Rs 50 per quintal respectively has been announced. The differential remuneration is aimed at encouraging crop diversification.

The MSP of wheat for crop season 2020-21 has been raised from Rs 1,925 to Rs 1,975 per quintal and that of barely from Rs 1,525 to Rs 1,600 per quintal.

MSP of lentils for the same season has been fixed at Rs 5,100 per quintal, and Bengal gram or chana at Rs 5,100 per quintal. For the crop year 2020-21, the MSP of rapeseead and mustard has been fixed at Rs 4,650 per quintal. Similarly, the MSP of safflower has been increased to Rs 5,327 per quintal. (IANS)

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