Farmers Expected to Show Increased Interest in Mustard and Lentil Cultivation

New Delhi. The Central Government has raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi season crops by 1 to 10 percent. Among these, wheat saw the smallest increase, while safflower (*kardi*) saw the highest. Similarly, the MSP for lentils and mustard has been raised significantly—by ₹390 per quintal and ₹413 per quintal,

respectively—which is expected to provide a strong incentive for farmers to increase the acreage and production of these crops. The support price for gram has been increased by ₹83 per quintal, and for barley by ₹136 per quintal. The support price for safflower has seen the steepest hike, rising by ₹675 per quintal.

While the central pool holds vast stocks of wheat and its price remains stable within a certain range, the country faces a shortage of pulses and oilseeds, necessitating large-scale imports. Lentils are among the most imported pulses in India. Although wholesale market prices for mustard are currently well above the MSP—naturally boosting farmer enthusiasm and interest in its cultivation—the government also aims to encourage farmers further.

The government has set production targets for Rabi crops as well. Sowing for wheat, mustard, gram, and other Rabi crops is set to begin soon, though drought conditions persist in some states.