The prices of several Kharif crops in India during the 2024-25 marketing season are showing discrepancies compared to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the Central Government.

• Seven Kharif crops are currently being sold below their MSP, with average prices significantly lower than the set support prices. For instance:

  • Soybean is priced at Rs 4168 per quintal, which is 14.8% below the MSP of Rs 4892.
  • Groundnut is priced at Rs 5372 per quintal, 20.8% below the MSP of Rs 6783.
  • Sunflower is priced at Rs 5704, while its MSP is Rs 7280 per quintal.
  • Nigerseed is at Rs 7652, which is 12.2% below its MSP of Rs 8717 per quintal.
  • Maize is 3.1% below the MSP of Rs 2225 per quintal, although the price varies by state.

• On the other hand, three crops are being sold above the MSP:

  • Tur (tuvar), sesame, and non-basmati rice have seen prices above the MSP in the early months of harvest (October-November 2024).
  • The price of non-basmati rice stands at Rs 2345 per quintal, 2% higher than the MSP of Rs 2300 per quintal.

• The price of cotton is close to the MSP, with fluctuations occurring based on regional conditions.

The Central Government sets MSP for 14 Kharif crops each season, and for the current year, about 50% of these crops are facing prices at least 10% below the MSP during the first two months of the season. Despite these challenges, some crops like tur, sesame, and non-basmati rice are experiencing higher market prices, providing some relief to farmers growing these specific crops.