Supporting Organic Farmers: Panel Calls for MSP

Parliamentary Panel Urges MSP for Organic Crops to Protect Farmers​

New Delhi, March 27 – A Parliamentary Standing Committee has urged the Union Ministry of Agriculture to fix a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for organic crops, highlighting the need to safeguard farmers transitioning to sustainable agriculture.

Panel Criticizes Limited MSP Coverage​

In its 17th report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing criticized the ministry for restricting MSP to 22 notified crops and not extending it to organic produce.

The ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that MSP and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane are determined based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

Higher Costs in Organic Farming Highlighted​

Rejecting the ministry’s response, the panel emphasized that organic farming involves higher costs, including:

• Additional labour for composting and weeding
• On-farm input preparation
• Certification and segregation expenses

These costs, the panel noted, are not adequately covered under existing MSP calculations.

MSP Seen as Key to Promoting Organic Farming​

The committee said introducing MSP for organic crops would:

• Protect farmers from price volatility
• Compensate for higher input costs and lower initial yields
• Encourage wider adoption of organic and natural farming practices

It added that such a move would provide a clear policy signal, encouraging farmers to shift toward sustainable agriculture.

Boost to Government Schemes​

The panel also noted that MSP support would strengthen initiatives like:

• Natural farming programmes
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

This would help make organic farming more viable, scalable, and economically sustainable across India.

Call for Government Action​

The committee has asked the ministry to review its stance and take necessary steps, stressing that MSP for organic produce is essential to ensure farmer protection and long-term agricultural sustainability.