Union Cabinet Approves Higher MSP for Rabi Crops 2026–27 and Launches ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ with ₹11,440 Crore Outlay.

In September 2025, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved two major agricultural initiatives—an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for six major rabi crops for the 2026–27 marketing season, and the launch of the ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ to boost India’s self-sufficiency in pulse production. These decisions aim to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and promote sustainable agricultural growth.

      - The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved revised MSPs for six key rabi crops—Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, and Safflower—for the upcoming 2026–27 marketing season.

      - As per the approval, the new MSP rates per quintal are: Wheat – ₹2,585; Barley – ₹2,150; Gram – ₹5,875; Lentil (Masur) – ₹7,000; Rapeseed & Mustard – ₹6,200; and Safflower – ₹6,540. These revised rates are designed to cover the cost of production while ensuring an additional margin for farmers’ profitability.

      - Among all crops, Safflower received the highest absolute MSP hike of ₹600 per quintal, reflecting the government’s push towards diversification in oilseed cultivation. This move supports India’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported edible oils and strengthen domestic oilseed production.

Main Point :-   (i) The Cabinet also approved a new six-year scheme—‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’—with a total financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore. The mission is aimed at achieving self-reliance in pulse production through area expansion, yield improvement, and infrastructure strengthening across major pulse-growing states.

      (ii) This newly sanctioned mission was initially proposed by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF), during the presentation of the Union Budget for FY2025–26.

(iii) The GoI has set an ambitious target to raise domestic pulse production from 24.2 million tonnes (MT) in 2024–25 to 35 MT by 2030–31. The mission’s implementation will ensure greater farmer participation, reduced import dependency, and enhanced national food security through efficient resource utilization and productivity gains.