Staff Reporter / New Delhi
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has strongly criticised the Union Government’s announcement of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi crops for the 2027-28 marketing season, alleging that the increase is inadequate and does not reflect the actual cost of cultivation borne by farmers.
In a statement issued on Friday, AIKS said the government increased the MSP for wheat by only Rs 25 per quintal, raising it from Rs 2,585 to Rs 2,610. The farmers’ organisation termed the hike the smallest in over two decades and alleged that it fails to compensate for rising input costs, including diesel, fertilisers and irrigation expenses.
The organisation disputed the Centre’s claim that farmers receive a profit margin of over 100 per cent on MSP. According to AIKS, the government calculates returns using the A2+FL cost formula, which excludes important components such as land rent and interest on fixed capital. It argued that the comprehensive C2 cost formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission should be used for MSP calculations.
AIKS claimed that based on official cost estimates, wheat MSP should be at least Rs 2,744 per quintal under the C2+50 per cent formula. It further alleged that MSPs announced for several Rabi crops, including gram, barley, mustard and lentil, remain below remunerative levels.
The farmers’ body also raised concerns over procurement, stating that a large section of producers are unable to benefit from MSP due to limited government procurement. It alleged that procurement of pulses and oilseeds remains significantly lower than wheat and called for universal procurement without restrictions linked to AgriStack or land records.
AIKS further expressed apprehension over trade agreements that could lead to increased imports of agricultural products, arguing that such measures may adversely affect domestic farmers. The organisation demanded a legal guarantee for MSP at C2+50 per cent, expansion of procurement operations and rollback of recent diesel price hikes. It also announced plans to hold protests at district headquarters across the country on the issue.