Farmer associations under the aegis of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) rejected the government's Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for winter crops for 2027–28, announced on September 30. They called the increase in the wheat price by 25 rupees per quintal, which is equivalent to only 25 paisa per kilogram, an 'insult.'
SKM demanded an immediate review of the MSP for all winter crops and also granted states the freedom to set bonuses. The organization stated: '25 paisa per kilogram is not a price, it is an insult... Yet the government calls this a 106% profit (revenue above production cost). '
It was stated that the Central Government and the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices ignored the recommendations of the states and disregarded the rise in diesel fuel prices and other production costs.
Furthermore, SKM demanded the cancellation of the increase in diesel fuel prices, noting that the rates rose by approximately 7.5 rupees per liter. In response, the Centre stated that the set MSPs reflect the lack of a rainy season and stimulate the cultivation of oilseeds, pulses, and coarse grains, which consume less water.
The minimum price for wheat increased by less than 1%, rising from 2,585 to 2,610 rupees per quintal. Safflower oil received the largest increase—by 675 rupees per quintal, followed by rapeseed and mustard with an increase of 413 rupees. Lentils increased by 390 rupees, barley by 136 rupees, and peas by 83 rupees.
Agricultural expert Sudhir Panwar noted that this increase effectively turned out to be below the level of inflation of production costs.