MSPS, DA raised ahead of elections

The Union cabinet approved a 2-7% increase in the minimum support price (MSP) of six rabi crops and raised inflation-linked pay for central employees and pensioners ahead of key assembly and general elections, where farmers and government employees are influential voting blocs.

- Puja Das & Gulveen Aulakh

The MSP increase for the 2024-25 rabi marketing season is in line with the government’s goal of doubling farmer incomes, information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur told reporters after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

On 17 September, Mint reported that the government could raise the minimum support price (MSP) of six rabi or winter crops, with increases ranging from 2% to 7%, for the 2024-25 marketing season. On Wednesday, the Centre increased wheat and masur prices by a maximum of 7%, followed by barley (6.6%), mustard and rapeseed (3.6%), safflower (2.6%) and chana (gram) (2%).