Updates on Kharif Crop Support Prices and Shrimp Feed Pricing

May 13, 2026, 20:33
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The Union Cabinet has set the minimum support prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 season. Meanwhile, the government of Andhra Pradesh has stepped in to stop price increases for shrimp feed.

Main Body

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the minimum support prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing year. Based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), these prices ensure that farmers receive at least 1.5 times the average cost of production. The government expects to spend ₹2.60 lakh crore to buy 824.41 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of crops. For example, common paddy is priced at ₹2,441 per quintal. Furthermore, the government has encouraged the growth of pulses and oilseeds by offering higher price increases, with some crops like moong seeing a 61% margin over production costs. Data shows that the amount of crops purchased and the total spending have grown significantly over time. Between 2014-15 and 2025-26, paddy procurement increased from 4,590 LMT to 8,418 LMT. Consequently, total payments for all 14 Kharif crops rose from ₹4.75 lakh crore in the 2004-2014 period to ₹18.99 lakh crore in the following decade. At the same time, Fisheries Minister K Atchannaidu in Andhra Pradesh intervened after manufacturers planned to increase shrimp feed prices by ₹10 per kg. The Minister emphasized that such price hikes are unacceptable because aquaculture farmers are already facing financial difficulties. After a video meeting, the Shrimp Feed Manufacturers Association agreed to cancel the price increase, although they claimed that rising raw material costs caused the problem. A joint meeting between the government, manufacturers, and farmers is scheduled for May 15 to find a fair pricing system.

Conclusion

In summary, the central government has finalized the 2026-27 Kharif MSPs to support farmer incomes, while the Andhra Pradesh government has temporarily stopped shrimp feed price hikes until further negotiations.

Learning

🚀 The 'Connector' Secret: Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to show how ideas relate to each other using Logical Connectors. This article is a goldmine for this transition.

🧩 The Bridge: Cause & Effect

Instead of saying "The costs went up, so the government acted," B2 speakers use Consequently.

From the text: *"...total payments... rose... Consequently, total payments... rose from ₹4.75 lakh crore..."

How to use it: Use Consequently at the start of a sentence to show a direct result of the previous fact. It sounds more professional than "so."

🛠️ Adding Information with Style

Stop repeating "and" or "also." Look at how the author introduces a new, related point:

From the text: *"Furthermore, the government has encouraged the growth of pulses..."

The B2 Upgrade: Use Furthermore when you are adding a strong, supporting argument to your point.

⚖️ The 'Pivot' (Contrast)

When two things are happening at the same time but are different, don't just use "but."

From the text: *"Meanwhile, the government of Andhra Pradesh has stepped in..."

Pro Tip: Use Meanwhile to shift the reader's attention to a different location or a different person doing something else at the same moment. It creates a 'cinematic' feel to your writing.

Quick Summary for your Toolkit:

A2 Word→\rightarrowB2 Power WordFunction
So→\rightarrowConsequentlyResult
Also→\rightarrowFurthermoreAdding info
But/And→\rightarrowMeanwhileShifting focus

Vocabulary Learning

recommendations (n.)
Suggestions or instructions given as guidance.
Example:The government followed the recommendations from the commission to set the support prices.
ensure (v.)
To make certain that something happens.
Example:The policy ensures that farmers receive fair compensation.
spend (v.)
To use money to buy goods or services.
Example:The government plans to spend billions on agricultural subsidies.
encouraged (v.)
To give support or motivation to do something.
Example:The ministry encouraged farmers to grow pulses by offering higher prices.
margin (n.)
The difference between the cost and the selling price.
Example:The crop's margin over production costs was 61%.
procurement (n.)
The act of obtaining goods or services.
Example:Procurement of paddy increased significantly over the decade.
intervened (v.)
To step in to stop or change something.
Example:The minister intervened to halt the price hike.
manufacturers (n.)
People or companies that produce goods.
Example:Manufacturers of shrimp feed planned to raise prices.
planned (v.)
Intended or scheduled to happen.
Example:The plan to increase feed prices was halted.
financial (adj.)
Relating to money or economics.
Example:Many farmers face financial difficulties.
video (n.)
A recording of moving images.
Example:A video meeting was held to discuss the issue.
meeting (n.)
An assembly of people for discussion.
Example:The meeting will decide on the new pricing system.
fisheries (n.)
The industry dealing with catching or farming fish.
Example:The fisheries minister addressed the feed price issue.
unacceptable (adj.)
Not allowed or not satisfactory.
Example:The price hike was deemed unacceptable.
aquaculture (n.)
Farming of fish or other aquatic organisms.
Example:Aquaculture farmers rely on stable feed prices.
raw (adj.)
Not processed or refined.
Example:Raw material costs have risen.
material (n.)
Substance used to make something.
Example:The cost of material increased.
joint (adj.)
Done by two or more parties together.
Example:A joint meeting was scheduled.
pricing (n.)
The setting of prices.
Example:The pricing system will be reviewed.
system (n.)
A set of connected parts working together.
Example:The new system will ensure fair prices.
income (n.)
Money earned from work or investments.
Example:The MSPs aim to increase farmer income.
negotiations (n.)
Discussions to reach an agreement.
Example:Negotiations are underway to settle the price.