The Government today announced
the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for the Rabi crops of
2002-03 to be marketed in the next financial year. MSP of rapeseed/mustard
has been increased by Rs.30 per quintal while that of gram
and masur have been hiked by Rs.20 per quintal over the
MSP for 2001-02. MSP of wheat, barley and safflower
remained unchanged.
The Government provided for
extra payment of one time special drought relief for the six
crops ranging from Rs.5 to Rs.10 per quintal. MSP and the one
time special drought relief for Rabi crops approved by
the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs are as follows :
|
Commodity
|
MSP for 2002-03
|
One time special
Drought relief
|
MSP for
2001-02
|
|
Wheat
|
620
|
10
|
620
|
|
Barley
|
500
|
5
|
500
|
|
Gram
|
1220
|
5
|
1200
|
|
Rapeseed/Mustard
|
1330
|
10
|
1300
|
|
Safflower
|
1300
|
5
|
1300
|
|
Masur
|
1320
|
5
|
1300
|
The prices of other oilseeds
belonging to the Rapeseed/Mustard group will be filed on the
basis of their normal market price differentials with Rapeseed/Mustard.
The National Agricultural Cooperative
Marketing Federation (NAFED) would continue to be the nodal
agency for procurement of oilseeds and pulses and losses if
any, will be fully reimbursed.
Union Agriculture Minister,
Shri Ajit Singh said the higher remunerative prices to the farmers
will help in increasing production and productivity.
