The government on Wednesday announced a 6.59 per cent increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat to Rs 2,585 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing year.
The decision was taken in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Last year, MSP for wheat was fixed at Rs 2,425 per quintal for the FY26 marketing year. Wheat is the main rabi (winter) crop, with sowing beginning from late October, while harvesting from March onwards.
MSP for other rabi crops
The government has increased MSP on Barley by Rs 170 for the season. The MSP on Barley has now increased to Rs 2,150 per quintal from Rs 1,980 per quintal last season. The MSP on Barley, Gram, Lentil, Rapeseed & Mustard and Safflower has been increased to Rs 1,980, Rs 5,650, Rs 6,700, Rs 5,950, and Rs 5,940 (per quintal), respectively.
“The expected margin over All-India weighted average cost of production is 109 per cent for wheat, followed by 93 per cent for rapeseed & mustard; 89 per cent for lentil; 59 per cent for gram; 58 per cent for barley; and 50 per cent for safflower. This increased MSP of rabi crops will ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and incentivise crop diversification.” The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs said in a statement.
Ashwini Vaishnaw on MSP
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “The Cabinet has approved MSP of six rabi crops for the 2026-27 marketing year. Wheat MSP has been fixed at Rs 2,585 per quintal.” Wheat marketing year 2026-27 will start from April. However, the bulk of procurement ends in June itself.
The MSP has been decided based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), the minister said.
The government has set a record wheat production target of 119 million tonne for the 2025-26 crop year (July-June), as against the actual output estimated at a record 117.5 million tonne for the 2024-25 crop year.