UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘MSP for Kharif Crops 2026-27 and Cropping Seasons’ : 14 May

Daily News Analysis ‘MSP for Kharif Crops 2026-27 and Cropping Seasons’ : 14 May

Why in News:

  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season, fixing the paddy MSP at ₹2,441 per quintal.

Key Facts: MSP Revisions and Agricultural Seasons

  • Approval Authority: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, takes the final decision on MSP levels.
  • Pricing Principle: In line with the Union Budget 2018-19 commitment, MSPs are fixed at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production A2 + FL: Actual cost plus Family Labour (MSP calculation formula) .

Comparison of Cropping Seasons in India

Feature

Kharif Season

Rabi Season

Zaid Season

Meaning

Monsoon crops (Arabic: ‘Autumn’)

Winter crops (Arabic: ‘Spring’)

Summer filler crops

Sowing Time

June – July (Onset of Monsoon)

October – December

March – April

Harvest Time

September – October

April – June

May – June

Climate

Hot and Humid

Cool and Dry

Hot and Dry

Water Source

Primarily Southwest Monsoon

Irrigation / Residual moisture

Primarily Irrigation

Major Crops

Paddy, Maize, Cotton, Tur, Groundnut

Wheat, Barley, Gram, Mustard, Peas

Watermelon, Cucumber, Fodder