Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: The Government of India has announced an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Kharif crops, much to the appreciation of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Addressing a gathering of the farmers at Gajansoo Marh, the former J&K Minister and senior BJP leader, Choudhary Sukhnandan Kumar, informed the farmers about the approved MSPs for 17 kharif crops and variants for the 2023-24 season.
He told the farmers that the MSP for paddy, a widely grown crop in the monsoon season, has been set at Rs 2,183 per quintal, marking a significant increase of Rs 143 compared to last year.
The senior BJP leader highlighted that the increase in MSP for paddy is the highest in recent years and will benefit farmers, particularly as retail inflation is decreasing.
The Government aims to ensure fair remuneration for farmers and encourage crop diversification. The MSPs for other major pulses have also been increased, with Moong seeing a rise of Rs 803 per quintal to reach Rs 8,558, and Tur or Arhar set at Rs 7,000 per quintal, estimated to be 58% higher than the cost of production.
The former Minister emphasized that the MSPs are set to be at least one and a half times the all-India weighted average cost of production, as promised by the central Government.
The expected margin over the cost of production is estimated to be highest for bajra (82%), followed by tur (58%), soybean (52%), and urad (51%). For the remaining crops, the margin is estimated to be at least 50%.
Choudhary Sukhnandan expressed his appreciation for Lieutenant Governor Sinha’s support for the farmers of J&K and assured that they would receive all possible assistance. He mentioned that farmers across the country, including those in J&K, are celebrating the MSP hike, while criticizing the opposition parties, including Congress, for spreading false information among rural farmers.
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