The minimum support price (MSP) of wheat will rise by just ₹25 to ₹2,610 per quintal for the 2027-28 rabi marketing season, the Union Cabinet decided on 30 September 2026. The increase is under 1%. Last year, wheat MSP rose by ₹160.

MSP is the price at which the government buys crops from farmers. The new rates apply to rabi crops sown this winter and sold from spring 2027.

Crop-by-crop increases

All six rabi crops received higher MSPs, but the size of the increase varies widely:

• Safflower: up ₹675 to ₹7,215 per quintal (10.3%)

• Rapeseed and mustard: up ₹413 to ₹6,613 (6.7%)

• Barley: up ₹136 to ₹2,286 (6.3%)

• Lentil (masur): up ₹390 to ₹7,390 (5.6%)

• Gram: up ₹83 to ₹5,958 (1.4%)

• Wheat: up ₹25 to ₹2,610 (1.0%)

The figures were reported by Business Standard based on the Cabinet decision.

Who is affected

Wheat farmers are the most affected, especially in states where government procurement at MSP is significant. Growers of oilseeds and pulses get the larger increases. MSP also matters to consumers and the food subsidy budget, because it sets the government's buying price for grain distributed through the public distribution system.

How the prices compare with costs

The government says every rabi MSP is at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production, a formula announced in the Union Budget 2018-19.

The expected margin over cost is highest for wheat at 106%, followed by rapeseed and mustard (96%), lentil (92%), gram (59%), barley (58%) and safflower (50%).

Wheat's margin is lower than last year. For 2026-27, the government raised wheat MSP by 6.59%, from ₹2,425 to ₹2,585 per quintal, with a margin of 109% over cost, according to Tribune.

What remains unclear

The government has not publicly explained why the wheat increase is much smaller this year. ING has sought comment from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and will update this story when it responds.

It is also not yet known whether any state will announce a bonus over the wheat MSP for 2027-28.

What farmers should know

The new MSPs apply to purchases in the 2027-28 marketing season. Farmers who plan to sell to government agencies should register on their state's procurement portal when registration opens, and keep land records and bank details ready.

Sources: Business Standard · Deccan Herald · Tribune (2026-27 MSPs)