Major MSP Hike Announced for 14 Kharif Crops; Paddy, Maize, Cotton, and Pulses Get Higher Support Prices

Key Highlights

• MSP increased for 14 Kharif crops for 2026-27.

• Sunflower seeds received the highest hike of Rs 622.

• New MSP of paddy fixed at Rs 2441 per quintal.

• Pulses and oilseed farmers are expected to benefit more.

• The government aims to improve farmers’ income and profits.

In a major relief for farmers ahead of the Kharif sowing season, the Central Government has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The revised MSP rates will benefit farmers growing important Kharif crops such as paddy, maize, millet, pigeon pea, black gram, moong, cotton, soybean, sunflower, sesame, and groundnut. According to the government, the MSP hike aims to provide better returns to farmers and encourage the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains.

Government Focuses on Farmer Income Growth

The government said the MSP increase has been designed to ensure that farmers receive prices higher than their production costs. The revised rates are expected to help farmers recover expenses related to seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, diesel, electricity, labor, machinery, and family labor.

Officials believe the move will support farm profitability and encourage higher sowing during the upcoming Kharif season. The announcement before the sowing period is also expected to help farmers make better crop selection decisions.

Crops That Received the Highest MSP Increase

Some crops witnessed a major rise in support prices for the 2026-27 season. Sunflower seeds received the highest increase, followed by cotton and nigerseed.

New MSP Rate List for Kharif Crops 2026-27

Pulses and Oilseed Farmers Likely to Benefit More

The government has especially focused on increasing MSP for pulses and oilseeds to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on imports. Farmers growing these crops are expected to receive higher profits this season.

Estimated returns over production cost include:

• Around 61% profit on moong

• Around 56% profit on millet

• Around 56% profit on maize

• Around 54% profit on pigeon pea (arhar)

The higher support prices are expected to encourage farmers to shift towards pulses, coarse grains, and oilseed cultivation.

Relief for Farmers Before Kharif Sowing

The announcement has come just before the start of the Kharif sowing season, providing timely relief to farmers across the country. Farmers cultivating paddy, maize, pulses, and oilseed crops are expected to directly benefit from the revised MSP structure.

Agriculture experts believe the MSP hike could positively impact rural income and strengthen the agricultural economy during the 2026-27 season.

MSP Increase Expected to Impact Agriculture and Markets

The increase in MSP for 14 Kharif crops is being viewed as an important step toward improving farmers’ earnings and ensuring better returns from agriculture. The revised support prices may also influence crop sowing patterns and market trends during the upcoming season.

With higher MSP rates for key crops such as cotton, sunflower, sesame, and pulses, farmers are expected to receive stronger price support and improved financial stability.

Also Read: Basmati Market Decline Pauses as Export Demand Brings Fresh Hope for Price Rise

CMV360 Says

The increase in MSP for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 season is expected to provide major relief to farmers across India. Higher support prices for paddy, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and coarse grains will help improve farm income and encourage better crop cultivation. The government’s decision before the Kharif sowing season may also support agricultural growth, strengthen rural earnings, and positively influence crop production and market trends during the upcoming season.