New Delhi, July 4: Ahead of crucial 2019 general elections, the Central Government has increased the minimum support price (MSP) of Paddy crops by Rs 200 per quintal, Jowar (hybrid) by Rs 730 per quintal and ragi by rs 997 per quintal for the 2018-19 season. This move is seen as Modi government's efforts to woo the farmers of the nation ahead of the elections as it has been the BJP’s poll promise since the 2014 general elections.

Check the new New MSP list of 2018

The decision of the CCEA is a historic one as it redeems the promise of the pre-determined principle of fixing the MSPs at a level of at least 150 percent of the cost of production announced by the Union Budget for 2018-19.  According to a government release, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended MSPs for all kharif crops broadly in line with the announced principle.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said its a historical decision and said that the government has taken into consideration the issues of the farmers. He said the biggest producer, consumer and customer is the farmer and the farmer.  "Is Desh ka sabse bada producer, consumer , customer kisan hai lekin kisano ko kabhi uski keemat nahi mili. Modi ji ne isko samjha hai or kisano ko uski lagat ka 1.5 guna diya jayega", Singh said.

The sowing of kharif crops began with the onset of southwest monsoon while the harvesting of the crops will start from October. It must be noted that paddy is the main kharif crop. Reports inform that the MSP of a common variety of paddy is believed to be increased from Rs 1,550 per quintal to Rs 1,750 per quintal - highest ever hike in a single year.

According to a report by PTI, the MSP for paddy was fixed at Rs 1,550 per quintal for the common grade and Rs 1,590 per quintal for the Grade A variety for the crop year 2017-18.

In the last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the Cabinet will approve the increase in MSP in its upcoming meeting. To recall, the government had announced that it would fix a support price at least 1.5 times of the cost of the production in this year’s general budget.

The enhanced MSPs would boost production of oilseeds and encourage investment in its productivity and help reduce India's import bill. Also, an increase in MSPs of nutri-cereals will improve nutritional security and allow farmers to get higher prices.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2018 12:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).