MSP for 23 crops yet to be announced

NEW DELHI: The Centre is yet to announce the federally fixed minimum support prices (MSPS) for 23 crops for the kharif (monsoon) season, despite the onset of summer sowing in many states. MSPS are crucial because they serve as “price signals” for farmers and influence their sowing decisions.

Usually, MSPS for summer crops are announced by the second week of June. This year, the government has announced its decision to set MSPS that are 1.5 times the cost of production. However, the proposal hasn’t come up before the Cabinet so far.

“I wouldn’t call this a delay. There have been instances in the past when kharif MSPS have been announced by June-end,” an agriculture ministry official said, requesting anonymity. The official said the MSPS could come up for the Cabinet’s approval next week.

In 2017-18, the government announced kharif MSPS on June 7, while in the previous year, they were announced on June 1. In 2014-15, an election year, they were announced on June 25.