Question : FIXATION OF MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE .

(a) the names of various agricultural produces which are purchased at minimum support price in the country;

(b) the names of various agricultural produces bought along with the different quantity including the various rates at which these have been purchased during the last three years, State-wise;

(c) the process of fixing the minimum support price of the agricultural produce and the names of produces for which rates have been increased;

(d) whether the target of purchasing crops at minimum support price is fixed much lower as compared to the actual production due to which farmers are not getting the proper price for their produce; and

(e) if so, the action plan being contemplated by the Government to provide proper price to the farmers for their produce?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a): The crops covered under Minimum Support Price (MSP) are Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi, Arhar, Moong, Urad, Groundnut-in-shell, Soyabean, Sunflower, Sesamum, Nigerseed, Cotton, Wheat, Barley, Gram, Masur (Lentil), Rapeseed/Mustardseed, Safflower, Jute and Copra and Fair & Remunerative Price (FRP) for Sugarcane. The MSPs are fixed based on the recommendation of CACP. In addition, MSP for Toria and De-Husked coconut is fixed by the Government on the basis of MSPs of Rapeseed/Mustardseed and Copra respectively.

(b): The Government offers procurement at MSP. However, farmers are free to sell in the open market if the market offers higher price than MSP. A statement indicating the procurement of foodgrains, cotton and jute is at Annexure I and of pulses and oilseeds is at Annexure II.

(c): Government fixes MSPs of various crops on the recommendations of CACP, views of concerned State Governments and Central Ministries/Departments and other relevant factors. A statement indicating the MSPs fixed for Kharif crops of 2013-14 and 2014-15 season is at Annexure III.

(d) & (e): MSP is in the nature of minimum price offered by the Government. Procurement by the designated central agencies and State Governments is undertaken at MSP for the crops covered under MSP scheme. Producers of crops covered under MSP scheme have the option to sell their produce to Government agencies or in the open market as is advantageous to them.