Q3(c). Write briefly on the following: National Policy for Farmers – 2007; Minimum Support Price (MSP)

National Policy for Farmers – 2007

The National Policy for Farmers (2007), recommended by the M.S. Swaminathan Committee, shifted the focus from agricultural production to farmer welfare, recognizing the multidimensional challenges farmers face. Key provisions include improving soil health, expanding irrigation, ensuring credit access, strengthening crop insurance, providing remunerative prices, and promoting climate-resilient agriculture.

It recommended that MSP should be at least 50% above the cost of production, implemented in 2018. The policy also promoted women farmers’ empowerment, Kisan Call Centres, seeds research, and extension services.

In Haryana, initiatives like Soil Health Cards, crop diversification from paddy to millets, and farmer training at HAU Hisar reflect this policy vision.

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

MSP is a guaranteed price declared annually for 23 crops to protect farmers from market volatility. Recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), MSP ensures income stability, encourages production, and supports procurement under the Food Corporation of India, strengthening national food security.

Since 2018, MSP is fixed at 1.5× production cost, ensuring profitability. MSP has been crucial in states like Haryana, where assured procurement of wheat, paddy, and bajra has stabilised incomes and supported the Green Revolution legacy. However, challenges include regional imbalance, high procurement costs, and dependence on a few crops.