NEW DELHI, 19 November 2016 : In order to push sowing of pulses, Indian agriculture ministry has decided to increase minimum support prices (MSP) of pulses in the range of $5.5 (Rs 375) per quintal to $8.08 (Rs 550) per quintal during 2016-17, Indian minister of state for agriculture & farmers welfare, S. S. Ahluwalia informed the upper house recently.
Government fixes Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the major agricultural produce including pulses on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), views of the State Governments, concerned Central Ministries/Departments and other relevant factors.
The CACP has recommended increase in MSPs of both kharif and rabi pulses for 2016-17 season.
In addition, Government has announced a bonus of $6.24 (Rs 425) per quintal for Kharif Pulses viz. Arhar, Moong and Urad, $2.93 (Rs 200) per quintal for Gram and $2.20 (Rs 150) per quintal for Masur. MSPs of pulses for 2015-16 and 2016-17 are given below:
(Rs/Per quintal)
| Pulses | 2015-16 | 2016-17 |
| Arhar | 4625^ | 5050^^ |
| Moong | 4850^ | 5225^^ |
| Urad | 4625^ | 5000^^ |
| Gram | 3500* | 4000^ |
| Masur | 3400* | 3950** |
^ Including Bonus of Rs.200 per quintal
^^ Including Bonus of Rs.425 per quintal
* Including Bonus of Rs.75 per quintal
** Including bonus of Rs.150 per quintal
