By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Union PNG-Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has welcomed the Cabinet nod to MSP for Rabi crops. “Prime Minister Shri has proved once again today that there is no other well-wisher of the food providers of the country than his government.The decision to increase the #MSP of 6 Rabi crops by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs today after the passing of Agriculture Reform Bills is welcome,” Union Minister Pradhan said.
“Increase of vr̥d’dhi 50 / quintal in wheat MSP, Chana-kviṇṭala 225 / quintal, Barley-kviṇṭala 75 / quintal, Lentils-kviṇṭala 300 / quintal, Mustard & Rapseed-kviṇṭala 225 / quintal, Kusum-kviṇṭala 112 / quintal were key decisions of the Unio Cabinet,” he said.
“The growth of farmers shows their tireless efforts to make them self-reliant and empowered.The central government has not only increased the MSP but also increased the purchase at the minimum support price to ensure the wage value of farmers,” Pradhan said.
“The Modi government is committed to empowering the farmers and is making new efforts daily for it. But some people for whom political interests are paramount are provoking farmer brothers and sisters in protest against agriculture reform bills. The upliftment and welfare of food providers is paramount for Modi government,” he added.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all mandated Rabi crops for marketing season 2021-22. This increase in MSP is in line with the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission.In view of nutritional requirements and changing dietary pattern and to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds production, the Government has fixed relatively higher MSP for these crops.The highest increase in MSP has been announced for lentil (Rs. 300 per quintal) followed by gram and rapeseed & 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 increase in MSP for Rabi Crops for marketing season 2021-22 is in line with the principle of fixing the MSPs at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average Cost of Production as announced in Union Budget 2018-19. The expected returns to farmers over their cost of production are estimated to be highest in case of Wheat (106%) followed by rapeseed & mustard (93%), gram and lentil (78%). For barley, return to farmers over their cost of production is estimated at 65% and for safflower, it is 50%.
Support is in the form of MSP as well as procurement. In the case of cereals, Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other designated State Agencies would continue to provide price support to the farmers. Government has set up a buffer stock of pulses and domestic procurement of pulses is also being done under Price Stabilization Fund (PSF).
