New Delhi — March 14, 2026
Rahul Gandhi Raises MSP Issue, Questions Government in Fresh Statement
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has once again criticized the central government over farmers’ issues, raising questions about the implementation of a legal Minimum Support Price (MSP).
In a social media post on Saturday, Gandhi said he had asked the government in Parliament why the promise made to farmers in 2021 regarding MSP based on the C2+50% formula had not yet been implemented.
According to him, the government avoided a direct response and instead repeated its existing MSP policy during the parliamentary discussion.
Reference to Swaminathan Committee Recommendation
In his post, Gandhi emphasized the C2+50% formula, which is often linked to the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission.
Under this formula, the Minimum Support Price for crops would be determined by adding 50 percent profit over the comprehensive cost of cultivation (C2).
Gandhi stated that the government had previously promised farmers the implementation of this formula but has not yet translated that promise into a legally binding policy.
Government Response Shared
The Congress leader also shared a copy of the government’s response received in Parliament along with his social media post.
He said the government acknowledged that it had urged states to discontinue MSP bonuses offered at the state level, describing the move as aligned with “national priorities.”
Gandhi questioned the rationale behind such a decision and argued that it could affect farmers’ incomes.
Concerns Over Possible Trade Deal Implications
In the same post, Gandhi also raised concerns about a potential trade agreement with the United States, particularly regarding references to reducing non-trade barriers.
He questioned whether such measures could indirectly impact policies related to MSP or government procurement systems.
According to Gandhi, the government has not yet provided clear clarification on this issue.
Congress Says It Will Continue Raising Farmers’ Issues
Concluding his remarks, Gandhi said the Congress party would continue to raise farmers’ concerns both inside Parliament and in public forums.
He reiterated that the party intends to keep advocating for farmers’ rights and the implementation of policies that ensure fair pricing and income security for agricultural producers.
The debate around MSP remains a major issue in India’s agricultural policy discussions, with farmer groups and political parties continuing to demand stronger guarantees on crop pricing and procurement mechanisms.
