Kharif Crops MSP Hike 2026: In a major move aimed at strengthening the agricultural economy, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season. The decision, announced on Wednesday, ensures that farmers receive at least 50 percent more than the estimated cost of production for their produce.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while briefing the media, stated that the price hikes were based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). He emphasized that the government is committed to providing remunerative prices to growers, particularly those involved in pulses, oilseeds, and nutri-cereals.
Steepest Hike for Sunflower and Cotton
The 2026-27 MSP list shows that sunflower seeds and cotton have received the most substantial price increases. The MSP for sunflower seeds has been raised by ₹622 per quintal, bringing the new price to ₹8,343. This is a significant jump from the previous year’s rate of ₹7,721.
Similarly, cotton growers will see a major benefit. The MSP for Medium Staple cotton has been increased by ₹557 to reach ₹8,267 per quintal, while Long Staple cotton has been fixed at ₹8,667 per quintal. These adjustments are expected to encourage crop diversification and reduce India’s dependency on imports for oilseeds and fiber.
Paddy and Cereal Price Adjustments
Paddy, the primary crop of the Kharif season, also saw a steady upward revision. The MSP for Common Paddy has been increased by ₹72, taking it from ₹2,369 to ₹2,441 per quintal. Grade A Paddy will now fetch ₹2,461 per quintal, compared to the earlier price of ₹2,389.
Among other cereals, the government has announced notable hikes for coarse grains. The MSP for Hybrid Jowar and Maldandi Jowar has been increased by ₹324, bringing their new rates to ₹4,023 and ₹4,073 per quintal, respectively. Ragi has seen an increase of ₹319, moving to ₹5,205, while Bajra prices rose by ₹125 to reach ₹2,900 per quintal.
Boost for Pulses and Oilseeds
To promote the cultivation of protein-rich pulses, the Cabinet approved a hike of ₹450 per quintal for Tur (Arhar), taking its MSP to ₹8,450. Urad dal saw an increase of ₹400, reaching ₹8,200 per quintal. However, Moong dal received a marginal increase of ₹12, with its new price set at ₹8,780.
In the oilseeds category beyond sunflower, Nigerseed prices were hiked by ₹515 to ₹10,052 per quintal. Sesamum (Til) saw a ₹500 increase, reaching ₹10,346, while Soybean (Yellow) and Groundnut prices were raised by ₹380 and ₹254 per quintal, respectively.
Government data indicates that the highest profit margins over production costs are expected in Moong (61%), followed by Bajra (56%) and Maize (56%). For all other notified Kharif crops, the margin is strictly maintained at a minimum of 50 percent.
