What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Its Role in Indian Agriculture
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a crucial agricultural policy tool employed by the Government of India to support farmers by ensuring a minimum price for their crops. The MSP is announced by the government for certain crops before the sowing season to provide farmers with a guaranteed price for their produce, irrespective of market conditions. This article delves into the concept of MSP, its significance in Indian agriculture, its impact on farmers, and the challenges associated with its implementation. Understanding Minimum Support Price (MSP) The MSP is the minimum price at which the government purchases crops from the farmers. It is set based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), which considers various factors such as the cost of production, demand-supply dynamics, market price trends, and the need to provide adequate returns to farmers. The MSP is aimed at ensuring that farmers get remunerative prices fo...