Farmers Gain as Rabi Procurement Climbs to 3,921 Lakh Tonnes

Rabi crop procurement has expanded significantly, reaching 3,921 lakh metric tonnes in 2025-26. That is a substantial jump from 2,302 lakh metric tonnes recorded in the financial year 2004-05. Over the same period, MSP payments to farmers have grown from Rs 2.65 lakh crore to Rs 8.36 lakh crore.

An official factsheet released on Thursday outlines these trends and the policy measures behind them.

A major MSP decision for the coming season

On September 30, the government approved a rise in the minimum support price for all notified rabi crops under the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2027-28. Around Rs 90,962 crore is expected to be paid to farmers for 324 lakh metric tonnes of produce.

The factsheet explained that the aim of raising MSPs for rabi crops is to secure better prices for farmers and encourage them to diversify their cropping patterns.

Digital tools reshaping procurement

Digital platforms are making buying and payment processes simpler and more transparent, according to the factsheet. Assured prices, expanded procurement and technology-enabled delivery are together helping farmers reach markets more easily and strengthening their confidence in agricultural decisions.

About MSP announcements

The government announces minimum support prices for 22 major agricultural crops every year. These prices are based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

Highest MSP gains this year

Safflower (kusum) recorded the largest MSP increase, rising by Rs 675 per quintal. Rapeseed and mustard saw an increase of Rs 413 per quintal, followed by masur with Rs 390 per quintal and barley with Rs 136 per quintal. Wheat and gram have also seen MSP hikes compared with last year.

Returns above production cost

The factsheet estimates that wheat offers the highest margin over production cost, at 106 per cent. Rapeseed and mustard stand at 96 per cent, masur at 92 per cent and gram at 59 per cent.

Digital procurement numbers

As of October 19, 2026, over 43 lakh farmers have sold their produce through the e-Sanyukt platform. More than 37.45 lakh metric tonnes of produce has been procured, and over Rs 13,000 crore has been credited to farmers' accounts.

On the e-Samriddhi platform, more than 1.37 crore farmers are registered. The portal has facilitated procurement of over 2.25 crore units of produce, with payments made to farmers more than 81 lakh times.