Modi Government Likely to Make Big Announcement for Farmers in Today's Cabinet Meeting

Modi-led BJP government is planning a make a big announcement for the farmers before Diwali. According to sources, the Center may announce a hike in the minimum support price (MSP) of winter crops or Rabi today (23rd October 2019).

Sources said that the Modi government could take a decision to announce the MSP hike for the year 2019-20 at the cabinet meeting to be held today.

The increase in minimum support price is likely to be based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices or the CACP.

Sources further told that the CACP has proposed the MSP of wheat at Rs 1,925 / quintal, gram at Rs 4,825 per quintal, mustard at Rs 4,425 per quintal, lentils at Rs 4,800 per quintal & safflower at Rs 5,215 /quintal.

It is important to mention that last year (2018-19), the minimum support price of wheat was at Rs 1,840 per quintal, lentils at Rs 4,475 per quintal, gram at Rs 4,620 per quintal, safflower at Rs 4,945 per quintal and mustard at Rs 4,200 per quintal. 

This means that the minimum support price of wheat will be increased by Rs 85 per quintal. A similar hike in the MSP of other Rabi crops has also been suggested.

Sources added that the Central government may either fully implement the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices or can make some modifications. They said the announcement in MSP was delayed because of assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana which took place earlier this week along with the by-elections for several seats across the country.