Good News For Farmers; Centre Hikes MSP On Jute By Rs... - Details

The Union Cabinet has decided to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute by Rs 315, setting it at Rs 5,650 per quintal for the year 2025-26. This move is expected to provide farmers a return of 66.8 per cent on the all-India weighted average cost of production.

The MSP for raw jute has increased by 2.35 times since 2014-15.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, while addressing the media after the Cabinet Meeting spoke about India's low jute production. According to him, the production ultimately depends on the decisions of the farmers. "Jute production is based on a variety of conditions and it is finding acceptance as a sustainable product," he said.

"We have continuously encouraged farmers in jute production and we assure to buy at MSP. However, the output and production of jute will be a function of the farmer's own interest on what product gives them the best value," he added.

The MSP hike this year surpasses that of the 2024-25 season and aims to boost jute production in India. Last year, the MSP for raw jute was increased by Rs 285, rising up to Rs 5,335 per quintal for the 2024-25 season.

The Union Cabinet has also approved the continuation of the National Health Mission (NHM) for an additional five years.

Goyal highlighted the Mission's achievements in the last ten years, describing them as historic milestones.

According to him, nearly 1.2 million healthcare workers were added to the NHM workforce between 2021 and 2022. He also noted the Mission's pivotal role in India's fight against the Covi-19 pandemic.