The minimum support price (MSP) of wheat has been proposed by CACP to be hiked by a nominal Rs 50 to Rs 1,450 a quintal this year. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has submitted its MSP proposals of wheat and other winter crops for 2014-15 rabi season to the Agriculture Ministry. The rabi crops of this year will be marketed in 2015-16 starting April. After taking views, a final proposal will be moved for the Cabinet’s approval.
Wheat is the main crop grown in the rabi (winter) season. The sowing of wheat begins in October and harvesting starts from April onwards. The MSP is the rate at which government buys the grain from farmers. The government procures wheat during April-June.
For the 2013-14 rabi season, the previous government had raised the support price of wheat marginally by Rs 50 per quintal at Rs 1,400 per quintal even as then Agriculture Ministry Sharad Pawar had pitched for Rs 100 per quintal hike.