Some Crops Above MSP, Others Fall Short
During India’s key rabi harvesting season from April to June, farmers experienced a varied market response to their crops. Official data reveals that prices for three crops were 3-11 percent higher than the minimum support prices (MSPs), while two crops saw prices 7 percent lower. One crop’s prices hovered around its MSP.
For wheat, the average mandi price across India was $0,28 per kg, which is 2.5 percent higher than the MSP of $0,27 per kg. In Uttar Pradesh, traditionally a state where crops sold below MSP, farmers received $0,28 per kg.
Chana and Safflower Show Positive Trends
- Chana (Bengal Gram) saw average mandi prices 11 percent above its MSP, with prices at $0,73 per kg against an MSP of $0,65 per kg. In Madhya Pradesh, the largest producer, farmers received $0,72 per kg.
- Safflower prices were 3.3 percent higher, with an average rate of $0,72 per kg against an MSP of $0,70 per kg. In Haryana, farmers sold safflower at $0,81 per kg.
- Barley, used mainly by distilleries, was sold at an average of $0,22 per kg, slightly above its MSP of $0,22 per kg.
- However, in Rajasthan, the largest barley-producing state, the price was lower at $0,22 per kg. Last year, barley prices exceeded $0,36 per kg due to lower output.
Mustard and Masur Prices Lag Behind MSP
- Mustard and masur (lentil) prices were about 7 percent lower than their MSPs during the April-June period.
- Farmers received an average of $0,64 per kg for mustard, while masur was sold at $0,72 per kg.
- In Rajasthan, mustard prices were even lower at $0,62 per kg, and in Madhya Pradesh, masur prices stood at $0,69 per kg.
Rampal Jat, president of Kisan Mahapanchayat, emphasized the need for legal guarantees to ensure crops are purchased at MSPs. He noted that without legal backing, it is difficult to guarantee that all crops will meet their MSPs. This sentiment was echoed by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, who criticized the government for not providing a legal guarantee for MSPs. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, however, dismissed these claims as misleading.
Farmers have been protesting on the Punjab-Haryana border since February, demanding legal guarantees for MSPs and addressing other concerns
The varied market prices during the rabi harvesting season highlight the challenges faced by Indian farmers. While some crops like chana and safflower saw higher prices, essential crops like mustard and masur lagged behind their MSPs. The ongoing demand for legal guarantees for MSPs underscores the need for stable and fair pricing mechanisms to support farmers.