What is Minimum Support Price (MSP) - Implied?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
MSP is announced by the government for 23 crops before each sowing season. These crops include cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops.
- 2.
The CACP recommends MSPs based on factors like cost of production, demand and supply, market price trends, and inter-crop price parity.
- 3.
The government procures crops at MSP through agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI), state government agencies, and cooperative societies.
- 4.
'Implied MSP' arises when government policies or market conditions create a price floor, even without a formal MSP announcement. For example, high import duties on edible oils can indirectly support domestic oilseed prices.
Visual Insights
Evolution of MSP Policy in India
Timeline showing the evolution of Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy in India, including the concept of 'implied MSP'.
The MSP policy evolved to ensure food security and protect farmers' income. 'Implied MSP' refers to situations where government interventions create a price floor without a formal announcement.
- 1965Agricultural Prices Commission (now CACP) established
- 1966-67MSP introduced for wheat and rice during the Green Revolution
- 2015Debate on linking MSP to market prices
- 2016e-NAM launched to improve price discovery
- 2020Farm Laws enacted (later repealed), sparking debate on MSP
- 2022Committee formed to make MSP more effective and transparent
- 2026Discussions on legal guarantee for MSP continue
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Challenge on Soybean: Cheaper Livestock Feed
EconomyUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is Minimum Support Price (MSP), and how does the concept of 'implied MSP' relate to it?
Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a price set by the Indian government to protect farmers by assuring them a minimum income for their crops. 'Implied MSP' refers to situations where market forces or government interventions *effectively* create a price floor, even without a formal MSP announcement. This can happen through large-scale procurement, export subsidies, or import restrictions.
Exam Tip
Remember that 'implied MSP' is not formally announced but arises from government actions.
2. What are the key provisions related to MSP as defined by the concept?
The key provisions related to MSP include: * MSP is announced by the government for 23 crops before each sowing season. * The CACP recommends MSPs based on factors like cost of production and market trends. * The government procures crops at MSP through agencies like the FCI.
- •MSP is announced for 23 crops.
