MoALD releases MSP guidelines to give farmers price information before sowing

KATHMANDU: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Gita Chaudhary has released the Guidelines on Determination of Minimum Support Price and Minimum Purchase Price, 2082. The Guidelines require the ministry to publish Minimum Support Price (MSP) information for major crops before sowing begins.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) has made arrangements to set MSPs for crops including paddy, maize, wheat and millet so that farmers receive price information in advance of planting.

Under the Guidelines, sugarcane will be subject to a field survey and data collection, and an analysis report will be prepared before a final recommendation is made. For wheat, the process will include a survey, a technical recommendation and a final recommendation to determine the MSP.

Minister Chaudhary said the arrangement is expected to make it easier for farmers to select crops, assist in making production plans and reduce market risk. She added that investment and production in the agricultural sector are likely to increase as farmers gain assurance of a fair price.

The MoALD issued the Guidelines under Section 47(1) of the Right to Food and Food Sovereignty Act, 2075 BS.

(With inputs from RSS)