MSP: Good news for farmer’s. Recent unexpected rains and hailstorms have caused considerable damage to crops, leading to significant losses for farmers. In response to this situation, the central government has decided to offer substantial relief to farmers for the 2026-27 Rabi marketing season. Wheat that has lost up to 70 percent of its quality due to the untimely rains will also be purchased by the government at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Farmers received this assistanceThe threshold for loss of quality in rain-affected wheat has been increased to 70 percent. Additionally, the limit for shrunken and broken grains has been raised from 6 percent to 15 percent. However, the overall limit for damaged and slightly damaged grains will remain at 6 percent. Wheat will be bought from farmers with these relaxed rules. This could offer significant support to farmers, who have been requesting concessions in procurement since the start of this month. The central government has also made similar announcements for farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan.
Key Highlights:
Damaged wheat with up to 70% quality loss will be procured at MSP.
MSP for wheat fixed at Rs 2,585 per quintal for 2026–27 Rabi season.
Limit for shrunken and broken grains increased from 6% to 15%.
The state government will compensate the farmersIn a letter dated April 17, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution indicated that the exemption was approved to “alleviate hardship for farmers and prevent distress sales of wheat” in Punjab and Chandigarh. However, the center has placed the payment responsibility on the state government and clarified that the Punjab government will cover any losses resulting from the relaxation.
Wheat procured under these relaxed conditions will be stored separately and prioritized for disposal, with the state government being accountable for any storage issues.Wheat will be purchased at MSP? This government move will ensure that farmers receive the MSP of Rs 2,585 per quintal despite weather disruptions . This decision follows similar exemptions for farmers in Punjab (April 9) and Haryana (April 15). Farmers had protested against procurement problems due to grain not meeting Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards.