India raises rabi MSPs for 2027-28, prioritising oilseeds and wheat

India's agricultural ministry has unveiled revised minimum support prices (MSPs) for rabi crops in the 2027-28 season, with a clear focus on strengthening the oilseeds sector. The decision aims to incentivise farmers to increase cultivation of oil-producing crops, reducing the country's dependence on imports.

Safflower emerged as the biggest winner in the price adjustment, with its MSP hiked by ₹675 per quintal—a 10.3 per cent jump that brings the support price to ₹7,215 per quintal. Rapeseed and mustard also received substantial increases as part of the government's broader strategy to boost domestic oilseed production and bridge supply gaps.

Wheat, India's staple cereal crop, received a more modest increase of ₹25 per quintal, reflecting the government's priority of directing support towards areas of greater supply concern. The rabi season, which runs from October to March, accounts for a significant portion of India's annual agricultural output and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security.

The MSP adjustments come as the government seeks to balance farmer interests with broader agricultural policy objectives, using procurement support prices as a tool to guide crop selection and production patterns across regions.