NEW DELHI: In a relief for farmers, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a hike in minimum support price (MSP) for several kharif crops.
Announcing the Cabinet decisions during a media briefing, Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that MSP of paddy has been increased to Rs 1,940 per quintal in 2021-22 from Rs 1,868 per quintal in 2020-21.
Similarly, the MSP for bajra, pulses and other crops have also been raised.
“Highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for sesamum (Rs 452 per quintal) followed by tur and urad (Rs 300 per quintal each),” he said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment towards the MSP, Tomar said that the existing procurement system will continue.
“No one should have any misconception about MSP.
It’s continuing and increasing.
It will continue,” he said.
The decision comes in the backdrop of the ongoing farmer agitation against the three new farm laws.
The agitation, which has been going on since last November at Delhi borders, is being revived as the stalemate between the farmers and government continues.
The farmers want all three laws to be withdrawn fearing they will lead to the end of the MSP system.
The government has assured that MSP will continue.