IN a major policy decision aimed at strengthening India’s agrarian economy ahead of the Kharif sowing season, the Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 kharif crops, including paddy, for the 2026-27 marketing season. Welcoming the move, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed the decision a ‘historic step’ towards ensuring higher incomes for farmers, making agriculture more remunerative and accelerating rural prosperity. The Chief Minister said the decision taken by the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects the Centre’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and its resolve to provide fair remuneration for their produce. “The substantial increase in MSP for various kharif crops, especially paddy, is a strong and reassuring message for the farming community. It demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure that farmers receive the rightful value of their hard work,” Sai said. He noted that the consistent increase in paddy MSP over the years has significantly enhanced the confidence, dignity and economic security of farmers across the country. According to him, the latest hike will not only encourage agricultural production but also strengthen the rural economy by increasing purchasing power in villages.

 

Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s own farmer-centric initiatives, Sai said the State Government is procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, which he described as the highest procurement rate in the country. CM said that the policy has resulted in record paddy procurement in the State and substantially strengthened farmers’ faith in the government. “Farmer welfare remains the top priority of our government. We are continuously working with commitment towards agricultural advancement and rural prosperity. The coordinated efforts of the Centre and the State Government are providing fresh momentum to the agriculture sector and economically empowering farmers,” he said. The Chief Minister further observed that agriculture continues to be the backbone of Chhattisgarh’s economy and that policies focused on ensuring better returns to cultivators are essential for sustainable rural development. Sai also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for what he called a visionary and farmer-friendly decision taken in the larger interest of the country’s agricultural community.