Centre raises MSP for 14 kharif crops: Paddy up ₹72, tur by ₹450

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price for 14 kharif crops, with paddy getting a ₹72 per quintal hike and tur dal seeing a sharp ₹450 rise.

Paddy, Tur get a push

The government has fixed the new MSP for paddy at ₹2,441 per quintal. For tur (pigeon pea), the increase is significantly higher at ₹450, reflecting the government's focus on boosting pulses production.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the decision after the Cabinet meeting. Officials said the revised rates will apply to the upcoming kharif sowing season, which typically begins with the onset of the southwest monsoon.

 What is MSP?

Minimum Support Price works as a safety net for farmers. When market prices fall below a certain level, the government steps in to buy crops at the guaranteed rate. This protects growers from sudden price crashes, especially during years of bumper production.

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices recommends these rates before each crop season. The government largely accepts them, though political pressure often pushes MSPs higher than what the CACP originally suggests.

Other Cabinet decisions

Coal gasification push

The Cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore scheme for surface coal and lignite gasification projects. The technology converts coal into gas, and the government wants to process 100 million tonnes by 2030. Officials believe this will cut down import dependence and strengthen energy security.

Nagpur Airport lease extended

The lease period for AAI-owned land at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport has been extended. The land was previously leased to MIHAN India Limited, and the tenure will now continue beyond August 6, 2039.

Semi-high-speed rail project cleared

The Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera double line project received the green signal. At ₹20,667 crore, this will be India's first semi-high-speed railway project developed entirely with indigenous technology. The railways ministry will implement it.

Impact on farmers

For paddy growers, the ₹72 increase is modest compared to previous years. But traders note that tur farmers will benefit substantially. Pulses have seen volatile prices in recent seasons, and a higher MSP may encourage more area under cultivation.

Sources familiar with the matter said the government is particularly focused on reducing import dependency for tur and other pulses. India still brings in significant quantities from Myanmar and African nations.

The sowing season is just weeks away. Whether these rates actually translate into higher farmer incomes will depend on procurement efficiency. Past seasons have seen complaints about delayed purchases and limited procurement centres in some states.

MP Cabinet Clears Shelter Homes for Patient Families Near Hospitals

Attendants to get low-cost stay, meals; farmers to receive 4x land compensation

In a significant move aimed at easing the ordeal of patient families, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of dedicated shelter homes near all medical colleges and district hospitals. The state also decided to quadruple the land acquisition compensation for farmers in rural areas.

Chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav in Bhopal, the cabinet meeting cleared proposals worth nearly ₹33,000 crore for various developmental works. The decisions are expected to impact healthcare accessibility and agrarian distress directly.

Shelter Homes for Patient Attendants

For the first time in the state, shelter homes will be set up exclusively for patient attendants. Officials from the health department indicated that hundreds of families often struggle to find affordable accommodation while their relatives undergo treatment. Under the new model, the government will only provide land. Social organisations will construct the buildings and manage electricity, water, and maintenance.

Low-Cost Meals and Stay Charges

A dedicated committee will fix nominal tariffs for both lodging and food. Sources confirmed that participating social bodies will operate on a not-for-profit basis, driven by community service. The scheme will also apply to all upcoming medical colleges currently under construction.

₹2,000 Crore for Medical Upgrades

The cabinet further decided to spend approximately ₹2,000 crore over the next five years. These funds will develop advanced facilities like cath labs and organ transplant units across all state-run medical colleges. Officials stated that the goal is to reduce referrals to private hospitals.

Farmers to Get Fourfold Compensation

In a major relief for the agrarian community, the government implemented Factor-2 for land acquisition. “Under this rule, farmers in rural areas will now receive up to four times the prevailing market rate as compensation,” a senior official explained. The decision is expected to fast-track infrastructure projects while ensuring fair pay to landowners.

Ujjain Irrigation and Rehabilitation Packages

The cabinet approved a ₹157 crore irrigation project for the Ujjain region. Authorities said this will benefit 35 parched villages. Additionally, a rehabilitation package of ₹128 crore was cleared for displaced families in Chhindwara district.

Education and Women’s Welfare Schemes

The state will spend ₹990 crore over five years to distribute bicycles to students in classes 6 and 9. Another ₹1,200 crore has been allocated for the upgradation of teacher training institutes. The cabinet also extended the CM Care Yojana 2026 with an outlay of ₹3,628 crore. Minister Shivraj Patel informed reporters that a special session on women’s empowerment will be held under the Nari Shakti Vandan initiative.

What Next for Residents and Farmers

Officials said tenders for the first phase of shelter homes will be floated within a month. Meanwhile, revenue departments have been directed to update land records to implement the new compensation formula. With the state focusing on both health and agrarian distress, the coming months will determine the on-ground rollout of these decisions. As per latest government updates, monitoring committees will ensure transparency in the execution of these public interest projects.