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Minimum Support Price (MSP)

Ananya Gupta August 27, 2023 03:21 13272 0

Discover the full form of MSP - Minimum Support Price, a crucial agricultural policy in India that ensures fair compensation for farmers' produce. Learn about its significance, impact, and role in stabilizing agricultural markets.

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

Minimum Support Price

Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-supported agricultural price policy implemented in India to ensure that farmers receive a fair and remunerative price for their crops. The MSP serves as a safety net for farmers by guaranteeing a minimum price at which their produce will be purchased by the government or government agencies. This policy aims to safeguard farmers from market fluctuations and price volatility, ensuring their economic well-being and encouraging agricultural production. MSP is usually announced for various crops before the sowing season to provide farmers with price certainty and improve their income security.

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Minimum Support Price Full Form

The full form of MSP is “Minimum Support Price”. It is a price set by the government to ensure that farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price for their agricultural produce. The purpose of MSP is to provide price stability and income security to farmers, especially in times of market fluctuations or low prices. The government or its designated agencies commit to purchasing crops from farmers at the MSP, thereby offering a safety net and incentivizing agricultural production. MSP is an essential policy in many countries to support the agricultural sector and ensure food security.

MSP Full Form
Full Form Minimum Support Price
Established 1966-67
Ministry The Ministry of Agriculture
Who discovered MSP? K Jha Committee
Father of MSP Dr Frank W Parker

 

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MSP Crops List

The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) plays a significant role in recommending the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for a range of agricultural crops in India. Here is a list of some major crops for which MSP is typically announced:

  1. Kharif Crops (14): Paddy, Bajra, Jowar, Maize, Arhar (Pigeon Pea), Ragi, Moong (Green Gram), Groundnut-in-shell, Urad (Black Gram), Soyabean, Niger seed, Sunflower, Sesamum, Cotton.
  2. Rabi Crops (6): Barley, Wheat, Gram, Rapeseed/Mustard seed, Masur (Lentil), Jute.
  3. Other Commercial Crops (2): Copra, Safflower.

It’s important to note that for sugarcane, the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) is determined by the Department of Food & Public Distribution.

The MSP for Toria is determined based on the MSP of Rapeseed/Mustard seed, and the MSP for De-Husked coconut is based on the MSP of Copra.

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History of Minimum Support Price(MSP)

The history of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India dates back to the early 1960s when the country was facing food shortages and a lack of price stability for agricultural produce. The need to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and encourage increased agricultural production led to the introduction of the MSP policy. Here’s a brief overview of the history of MSP:

  1. 1960s – Green Revolution Era: The concept of MSP was formalized during the Green Revolution period in the 1960s. It was aimed at promoting the cultivation of high-yielding crop varieties by providing price assurance to farmers. The government began procuring food grains directly from farmers at a fixed MSP.
  2. 1965 – Wheat Procurement: The MSP policy was first implemented for wheat in 1965. The government procured wheat from farmers at a guaranteed price to build food stocks and stabilize prices.
  3. 1966 – Agricultural Prices Commission (APC): The government established the Agricultural Prices Commission (APC), later renamed as the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), to recommend MSPs for various crops based on production costs, market trends, and demand-supply dynamics.
  4. 1970s – Diversification of Crops: Over the years, the MSP policy was extended to other crops like rice, pulses, oilseeds, and cotton, with the aim of ensuring income security and reducing dependence on imports.
  5. 2000s – Expansion and Modifications: The MSP system underwent modifications to include more crops and account for production costs, ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for their efforts.
  6. Recent Years – Reforms and Debates: In recent years, debates have arisen about the effectiveness of the MSP policy in addressing farmer concerns, price volatility, and income disparities. Calls for MSP reforms and mechanisms to address regional disparities have gained prominence.
  7. 2020s – MSP and Agricultural Reforms: The discussion around MSP gained further attention with the introduction of new agricultural reforms. While some reforms aim to provide more options to farmers beyond traditional procurement, concerns about the future of MSP and its impact on farmers continue to be discussed.

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Features of MSP

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a key agricultural policy in India that aims to provide price support and income security to farmers. It has several distinct features that contribute to its role in the agricultural sector. Here are some important features of MSP:

  1. Price Assurance: The primary feature of MSP is to provide farmers with an assured minimum price for their crops. This assurance helps farmers plan their production and investments without the fear of drastic price fluctuations.
  2. Government Guarantee: The government or its designated agencies commit to purchasing the specified crops from farmers at the announced MSP. This government guarantee reduces the risk of price volatility for farmers.
  3. Crops Coverage: MSP is announced for a variety of crops, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops. This coverage ensures that farmers engaged in various agricultural activities benefit from the policy.
  4. Announcement Before Sowing: The MSP for different crops is typically announced by the government before the sowing season. This allows farmers to make informed decisions about which crops to cultivate based on expected returns.
  5. Cost Consideration: The MSP is determined based on factors such as production costs, market trends, input prices, and desired profit margins. The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) recommends MSPs considering these factors.
  6. Buffer Stock Creation: The government often procures crops from farmers at MSP to build food stocks. These stocks are used for various purposes, including maintaining food security, distributing through public distribution systems, and managing price stability.
  7. Farm Income Support: MSP ensures that farmers receive a fair and remunerative price for their produce, contributing to their income stability and reducing the income risks associated with agriculture.
  8. Market Intervention: MSP acts as a market intervention tool to prevent distress sales by farmers during times of surplus production or price crashes. Farmers can sell their produce to government agencies at MSP.
  9. Rural Economy Impact: MSP has a significant impact on rural economies as it influences agricultural production, farm incomes, and employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
  10. Inflation Control: By ensuring a stable supply of agricultural products and preventing price crashes, MSP contributes to controlling food inflation and ensuring reasonable prices for consumers.
  11. Safeguard for Farmers: MSP acts as a safety net for farmers, especially during periods of adverse weather, low market prices, or market imperfections.

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Significance of MSP

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) holds significant importance in the Indian agricultural sector and has far-reaching impacts on various stakeholders. Here are some key points highlighting the significance of MSP:

  1. Income Security for Farmers: MSP provides a safety net for farmers by guaranteeing them a minimum price for their produce. This income security helps stabilize their earnings and encourages them to invest in agriculture without the fear of market price fluctuations.
  2. Risk Mitigation: Agriculture is subject to various risks such as weather fluctuations, pests, and market uncertainties. MSP reduces the risk of income loss due to adverse conditions, giving farmers greater confidence in their farming decisions.
  3. Agricultural Production: The assurance of a minimum price incentivizes farmers to produce more, as they are assured of a reasonable return on their efforts. This contributes to increased agricultural production and ensures food security for the country.
  4. Price Stability: By preventing steep price crashes, MSP contributes to price stability in the agricultural market. This stability benefits both farmers and consumers by ensuring that prices remain within a reasonable range.
  5. Food Security: MSP ensures a consistent supply of essential food grains and crops, which is crucial for maintaining food security and meeting the country’s nutritional needs.
  6. Rural Employment: Agriculture is a major source of rural employment. MSP encourages higher production, leading to increased demand for labor in agriculture-related activities.
  7. Reduction in Market Exploitation: MSP acts as a check against exploitative market practices by ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for their produce, even in situations of excess supply.
  8. Government Procurement: MSP leads to government procurement of agricultural produce, which is then utilized for various purposes, including distribution through the public distribution system, maintaining buffer stocks, and managing price stability.
  9. Poverty Alleviation: MSP positively impacts the income of small and marginal farmers who form a substantial part of the rural poor population. It contributes to poverty alleviation efforts by providing them with better income opportunities.
  10. Balanced Regional Development: MSP is announced for various crops, leading to diversified agricultural production across different regions. This contributes to balanced regional development and reduces over-dependence on a few crops.
  11. Farmers’ Welfare: By supporting farmers’ incomes and improving their economic well-being, MSP enhances the overall quality of life for rural communities.
  12. Support for Agricultural Policies: MSP aligns with the government’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, increase farm incomes, and achieve rural development goals.

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Issues with Minimum Support Price(MSP)

While the Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy has several advantages, there are also challenges and issues associated with its implementation. Here are some of the key issues with MSP:

  1. Distortions in Crop Choices: MSPs are often announced for certain crops, which can lead to imbalanced crop choices. Farmers might focus on cultivating crops with MSPs, even if they are not the best-suited crops for their region’s agro-climatic conditions, potentially affecting soil health and water resources.
  2. Coverage Disparities: MSPs are mainly announced for cereals and a few other crops, leaving out many horticultural and perishable crops. This can result in income disparities among different types of farmers and crops.
  3. Market Distortions: Government procurement at MSP can create market distortions by distorting demand and supply dynamics. Excessive procurement of specific crops can lead to a surplus, affecting market prices and private trade.
  4. Procurement Infrastructure: While MSP ensures a guaranteed price, the procurement infrastructure, including storage facilities and transportation, can be inadequate. This can result in wastage, quality deterioration, and losses for farmers.
  5. Inadequate Price Adjustments: MSPs are often revised annually, which might not reflect real-time market conditions. Rapid market fluctuations can result in MSPs being significantly lower than prevailing market prices, impacting farmers’ incomes.
  6. Budgetary Pressure: The government’s obligation to procure crops at MSP can strain fiscal resources. High procurement costs can impact the government’s ability to invest in other essential sectors.
  7. Regional Disparities: MSPs are not uniform across states and crops, leading to regional disparities. Farmers in certain regions or cultivating certain crops might not receive the same level of support as others.
  8. Middlemen Interference: In some cases, intermediaries and middlemen can exploit the MSP system to their advantage, resulting in farmers receiving lower prices than the announced MSP.
  9. Lack of Awareness: Many farmers, particularly small and marginal ones, might not be fully aware of the MSP policy or might face challenges in accessing the government procurement system.
  10. Limited Impact on Small Farmers: MSP benefits might not fully reach small and marginalized farmers due to their limited access to markets and government procurement systems.
  11. Monoculture and Biodiversity: The focus on MSP for a few crops can promote monoculture and reduce crop diversity, impacting biodiversity and ecological sustainability.
  12. Inflationary Pressure: While MSP aims to ensure fair prices for farmers, it can contribute to inflation if the gap between MSP and market prices widens.

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Determinants Of MSP

The determination of Minimum Support Price (MSP) involves various factors that influence the pricing decision. The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) takes these determinants into account when recommending MSPs for different crops. Here are some key determinants of MSP:

  1. Input Costs: The cost of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and machinery significantly affects the MSP. Higher input costs can lead to a higher recommended MSP.
  2. Market Prices: Prevailing market prices of the crop play a role in setting the MSP. The MSP is often set slightly above the market price to provide a buffer against price fluctuations.
  3. Production Costs: The costs incurred by farmers during the production process, including variable and fixed costs, impact the MSP calculation. CACP considers both paid-out costs and imputed costs.
  4. Demand and Supply: The demand and supply situation for a particular crop in the market influences its MSP. Crops with higher demand and limited supply might have a relatively higher MSP.
  5. Cost of Living Index: The cost of living index, representing changes in the cost of basic necessities, affects the MSP calculation as it relates to the well-being of farmers.
  6. Global Prices: For crops that are traded internationally, global prices can influence the domestic MSP. Government aims to ensure that domestic prices remain competitive in the global market.
  7. Inflation: Inflation rates impact input costs and production expenses. Higher inflation can lead to higher recommended MSPs to maintain farmers’ real income levels.
  8. Technology and Productivity: Technological advancements and improvements in productivity can impact production costs, influencing the MSP.
  9. Crop Cycle: The cropping cycle, including the duration and timing of sowing and harvesting, affects the MSP. Longer-duration crops might have different cost structures.
  10. Risk Premium: CACP might include a risk premium to compensate farmers for uncertainties and risks associated with agriculture, such as weather fluctuations and market volatility.
  11. Government Policies: Government policies related to agriculture, trade, and procurement can influence the MSP. Policies that aim to encourage or discourage cultivation of certain crops can impact their MSPs.
  12. Farmers’ Welfare: Ensuring that the MSP provides reasonable returns to farmers and supports their livelihoods is a primary consideration in setting the MSP.

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MSP UPSC

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) holds significant importance in the UPSC economics syllabus, especially within the context of India’s agricultural landscape. As a pivotal policy tool, the MSP system employed by the Indian government plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable compensation for farmers’ produce. This topic has garnered substantial attention, sparking debates and dialogues in recent times.

For UPSC aspirants, a comprehensive grasp of the MSP framework is indispensable. This encompasses its historical evolution and contemporary relevance, along with its profound implications on farmers, the agricultural domain, and the broader economy. Adept knowledge of the MSP mechanism serves as a cornerstone for UPSC candidates aiming to excel in the General Studies paper, as well as in the Essay and UPSC Optional Subjects that delve into realms like agriculture, economics, and governance. A nuanced understanding of the MSP regime empowers aspirants to engage thoughtfully with intricate questions and issues posed by the UPSC examination, enabling them to navigate its complexities effectively.

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Minimum Support Price FAQs

MSP stands for Minimum Support Price, which is the price set by the government to ensure that farmers receive a minimum guaranteed price for their crops.

MSP provides income security to farmers and encourages them to invest in agriculture by assuring them of a fair price, even in cases of market price fluctuations.

MSP is announced for a range of crops, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops, to support various farming activities.

MSP ensures that farmers receive a fair return for their efforts, reduces the risk of distress sales, and encourages higher agricultural production.

While the government aims to procure crops at MSP to support farmers, procurement might vary depending on market conditions, budgetary constraints, and demand.
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