Question : MSP for Pulses- Oilseeds and Cotton

(a) the details of the estimated production of pulses, cotton and oilseeds during each of the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether it is a fact that farmers from various parts of the country have been demanding increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for oilseeds, cotton and pulses, if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has also recommended for increase in MSP for pulses, oilseeds and cotton for 2017-2018 crop year, if so, the details of the MSP fixed by the Government for these items;

(d) whether the Government has also directed to the States to procure all farm produce so that farmers are not forced to sell their produce at lower prices, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether his Ministry had also meeting with seed companies to cut prices of hybrid seeds by 10%, if so, the outcome thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã ??? ????? ?????? ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ À㕾㠽ãâ¨ããè ( SHRI S.S. AHLUWALIA)

(a): The production of pulses, cotton and oilseeds for the years 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 is at Annexure I.



Contd…2/-
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(b) to (d): Representations are received from time to time from various organizations requesting for increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of various crops including pulses, oilseeds and cotton.

Government fixes MSP on the recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), views of State Governments, Central Ministries/Departments and other relevant factors. MSPs fixed by the Government for pulses, oilseeds and cotton for 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 are at Annexure-II.

Government ensures Minimum Support Price (MSP) through procurement operations undertaken by the Central, State and Cooperative agencies in the States. State Governments have been alerted from time to time to make adequate arrangements to ensure MSP to farmers.

MSP is in the nature of minimum price offered by the Government to farmers to procure their produce when market prices tend to fall below MSP. However, farmers are free to sell their produce to Government agencies or in the open market as is advantageous to them.
(e): During a meeting held on 16.06.2017, representatives of seed companies agreed to reduce the selling price (on MRP) of hybrid seeds except cotton seeds by 10 percent during Kharif 2017-18.