Cabinet Approves National Pulses Mission, Hikes MSP for Rabi Crops to Boost Farmers’ Incomes and Food Security

On the eve of Dussehra, during the auspicious Navratri festival, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi cleared two landmark measures aimed at strengthening India’s agricultural base and enhancing farmers’ welfare. Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced the approval of the National Pulses Mission along with significant Minimum Support Price (MSP) increases for rabi crops.

Strengthening Farmers’ Security and Nation’s Nutrition

Shri Chouhan expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of millions of farmers, stating that these decisions are historic in scale and intent. He emphasized that the government is committed to aligning resources and schemes with farmers’ interests, showcasing the Modi government’s farmer-first approach.

The National Pulses Mission is designed to boost India’s self-sufficiency in pulses, enhance nutritional security, and increase farmer incomes. Its ambitious target is to raise pulse production from 24.2 million tonnes in 2024–25 to 35 million tonnes by 2030–31.

The strategy includes special production and expansion programmes across 416 districts, covering:

• Utilization of rice fallow areas for pulse cultivation

• Promotion of breeder, foundation, and certified seed varieties

• Intercropping models to diversify income

• Improved irrigation support

• Strengthened market linkages and procurement systems

• Robust technical support for farmers

The Cabinet has allocated a substantial ₹11,440 crore budget for 2025–26, ensuring the mission’s full-fledged implementation. Importantly, 100% procurement of tur, urad, and lentils at MSP will be guaranteed, providing assured returns to farmers.

Historic Hike in MSP for Rabi Crops

Alongside the Pulses Mission, the Cabinet has approved a sharp hike in MSP for wheat and other rabi crops for the 2026–27 marketing season, ensuring returns ranging from 50% to 109% over the cost of production. Shri Chouhan highlighted that this move not only supports farmer incomes but also safeguards the nation’s food and nutrition security.

The MSP hikes include:

• Wheat: ₹2585/quintal (↑ ₹160) – 109% return over cost

• Barley: ₹2150/quintal (↑ ₹170) – 58% return

• Gram (Chana): ₹5875/quintal (↑ ₹225) – 59% return

• Lentils (Masur): ₹7000/quintal (↑ ₹300) – 89% return

• Rapeseed/Mustard: ₹6200/quintal (↑ ₹250) – 93% return

• Safflower: ₹6540/quintal (↑ ₹600) – 50% return

The government reiterated its 2018–19 Union Budget commitment of fixing MSPs at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.

Comparing 2014–15 and 2026–27: A Decade of Growth

Shri Chouhan pointed out the dramatic rise in MSPs under the Modi government’s tenure, comparing figures from 2014–15 to the newly announced rates:

• Wheat: ₹1400 → ₹2585

• Barley: ₹1100 → ₹2150

• Gram: ₹3100 → ₹5875

• Lentils: ₹2950 → ₹7000

• Rapeseed/Mustard: ₹3050 → ₹6200

• Safflower: ₹3000 → ₹6540

This doubling of support prices reflects a long-term commitment to improving farm profitability and strengthening India’s agricultural backbone.

A Farmer-First Approach

The Agriculture Minister stressed that the MSP hikes, National Pulses Mission, and other farmer-centric schemes will be implemented with scientific rigor, transparency, and efficiency. He underlined that farmer welfare remains the foremost priority of the central government.

“These historic decisions,” Shri Chouhan said, “reflect the Modi government’s unwavering sensitivity towards farmers. They are decisive steps to enhance farmer incomes, dignity, and national food security.”