Question raised in Lok Sabha on Growth of Farm Income, 25/07/2017
Question raised in Lok Sabha on Growth of Farm Income, 25/07/2017. The Government fixes Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for major agricultural crops to ensure remunerative prices for farmers on the recommendation of Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP). The Government had increased the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of both Rabi and Kharif crops for 2016-17 season. Further, to incentivize cultivation of pulses and oilseeds in the country, Government had announced a bonus of Rs. 425/- per quintal for Kharif pulses, namely Arhar (Tur), Urad and Moong, a bonus of Rs. 200/- per quintal for Sesamum and a bonus of Rs. 100/- per quintal for other Kharif oilseeds namely, Groundnut-in-shell, Sunflowerseed, Soyabean, and Nigerseed. Government had also announced bonus of Rs. 200/- per quintal and Rs. 150/- per quintal for rabi pulses viz. Gram and Masur (Lentil) respectively and a bonus of Rs. 100/- per quintal each for both Rabi oilseeds namely, Rapeseed/Mustard and Safflower. The Government has also increased the MSPs of Kharif crops for 2017-18 season. In addition, Government has also announced a bonus of Rs. 200/- per quintal for Arhar (Tur), Urad and Moong, Groundnut-in-shell, Soyabean and a bonus of Rs. 100/- per quintal for Sunflower Seed, Sesamum and Nigerseed for 2017-18 season.The MSPs fixed by the Government provide adequate returns over all India weighted average, all paid out costs including family labour (A2+FL) as estimated by the CACP. The Government offers to procure crops at MSP. However, farmers are free to sell their produce to the Government procurement agencies at MSP or in the open market as advantageous to them.