India Raises MSPs, Approves ₹11,440 Crore Pulses Plan

The Union Cabinet approved increases in MSPs for six rabi crops ahead of the 2026-27 sowing season, raising wheat MSP 6.59% to ₹2,585 per quintal and lifting safflower to ₹6,540 per quintal, with lentil, rapeseed/mustard, gram and barley also given boosts to encourage crop diversification. MSPs remain set at a floor of at least 1.5 times the all‑India weighted average cost of production, yielding margins such as 109% for wheat, 93% for mustard and 89% for lentil. The government estimates procurement of about 297 lakh tonnes in 2026-27, implying payments of roughly ₹84,263 crore, and approved around ₹842.63 billion for winter price‑support measures. The Cabinet also approved a six‑year Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses with roughly ₹11,400–11,440 crore to expand pulse area, distribute certified seeds and seed kits, strengthen research, seed systems and procurement, and aim for self‑sufficiency by 2030-31. The package included a 3% dearness allowance increase for 49.2 lakh central employees and 68.7 lakh pensioners.