On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet of India announced an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for kharif crops for the 2026-27 season, effective from June. The MSP for common-grade paddy has been raised by ₹72 to ₹2,441 per quintal. Other crops, including pulses and oilseeds, received even larger hikes to promote crop diversification and reduce import dependency. The MSP for cotton increased by ₹557 to ₹8,267 per quintal, while sunflower seeds saw the highest increase of ₹622, bringing its MSP to ₹8,343 per quintal. The MSP for tur (arhar) was raised by ₹450 to ₹8,450 per quintal, and several other oilseeds received significant increases as well. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the MSPs are designed to ensure farmers receive prices at least 50% above their production costs. The total estimated payout to farmers is projected at ₹2.60 lakh crore, with annual procurement expected to reach 824.41 lakh tonnes. However, some farmer representatives have criticized the increases, citing rising agricultural input costs due to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.