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Steep hike in kharif MSPs may cost govt Rs 350 billion

Cabinet decision comes ahead of assembly polls in some key states

pulses, grains, farm produce
premium

The decision is being seen as a populist measure ahead of Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh

Sanjeeb Mukherjee New Delhi
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a sharp hike in minimum support prices (MSP) of kharif crops for the 2018-19 season in a bid to contain the farm sector distress. However, some farmers’ organisations argued that it was a small victory for them as the increased prices were still below the comprehensive cost of production. While the decision is being seen as a populist measure ahead of Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh (big producers of kharif pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals), it has also triggered concerns of a spike in food inflation. 

The decision will imply a