Amid row, Centre hikes MSP of 6 rabi crops

The government on Monday hiked the minimum price for buying six rabi crops, including wheat, by up to six per cent, as it sought to send a strong message to farmers on continuation of MSP-based procurement system. The MSP of wheat, which is the biggest crop of rabi season, has been hiked by Rs 50 to Rs 1,975 per quintal, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Lok Sabha. Besides, MSPs of lentil, gram, barley, safflower and mustard/rapeseed have been increased. The move came a day after Parliament approved two agriculture sector-reform bills which have been bitterly opposed by the opposition parties.