Saying buying crops worth Rs 50,000 crore a year may be a big promise to encash farmer agitation in neighboring Punjab.
CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government’s game-changing promise to buy all 24 major crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP)—making Haryana the only such state in the country—has farmers across India jumping with hope of a similar demand.
With the Haryana government already procuring 14 crops on MSP-fixed by the union government and the previous BJP-led Haryana government in August last year, announced the addition of 10 crops to the MSP list, including ragi, soybean, Kalatil (Nigerseed), safflower, barley, maize, jowar, jute, khopra, and moong (summer crops).
The promise was made two months before the crucial assembly elections and during the protest by farmers on the Haryana and Punjab borders.
Within two months of the formation of the state government, Saini-government issued a notification expanding MSP coverage to 24 crops. Now, the procurement of wheat and mustard is already underway, while procurement of sugarcane at a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 400 per quintal is in the last leg.
Replying to the allegations of the opposition leaders on how Haryana is providing MSP rate on crops which are not even grown in the state, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana told The Sunday Guardian that the government has made this decision to ensure any of the 24 crops grown in the state will be procured on MSP. With the procurement of wheat and mustard underway the government agencies will also procure sunflower, maize, moong, and bajra on MSP later this year, he added.
CM Saini called it a “huge win” on National Agriculture Day, saying it keeps farmers safe and shows other states how to help. Even on farmers’ demand, the government advanced mustard procurement to March 15, a week ahead of schedule.
Since the MSPs are fixed by the Union government based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), which evaluates production costs, market demand, and price trends, the final approval comes from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister.
But taking a step further to provide more relief to farmers, the Haryana government also formed a special committee to examine input costs of growing major crops and find ways to give farmers better prices. Led by the Additional Chief Secretary, the group will study the current price system, suggest improvements to match production costs, and recommend steps to make it work better for farmers.
For Haryana farmers like Jagmal Kamboj of Yamunanagar, who has sold his mustard from five acres at Rs 5,950 per quintal.
“The guarantee of MSP is like a dream come true. We used to lose money selling low. Now, we are getting the MSP,” he said.
However, agriculture experts are still doubtful over this decision of the state government, saying buying crops worth Rs 50,000 crore a year might be tough without help from the central government, which usually handles MSP. Some call it a big promise to encash farmer agitation in neighboring Punjab, where elections are due in 2027.
“It seems the BJP, by promising guaranteed MSP in Haryana, is trying to gain praise from farmers in Punjab, where the Aam Aadmi Party government is facing severe criticism from the farming community,” said political analyst Professor Ramji Lal.
Even Haryana CM Nayab Saini on several occasions said the BJP, if elected to power, will give MSP on all crops in Punjab as well.
Now the issue is gaining momentum in Punjab, as the announcement of MSP guarantee by Haryana CM earned praise from the farming community, though farmer leaders remain skeptical.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, head of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), who has been fasting at the Khanauri border since November 26 last year demanding a legal MSP guarantee, questioned Haryana’s plan.
Also leader Abhimanyu Kohar asked, “Can a state set MSP on its own? And how can they promise 24 crops when the Centre only lists 23 notified crops?”
But some farmer leaders also raised questions, saying Haryana’s move proves states can act—so why isn’t Punjab?
Sarwan Singh Pandher from Kisan Mazdoor Morcha agrees, after Punjab police broke up border protests on March 19, ending their year-long agitation abruptly.
“Haryana’s shown it’s possible. If they can buy 24 crops at MSP, Punjab has no excuse. We’ll keep fighting!”, Pandher told reporters.
Pandher’s group wants Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to match Haryana’s promise, especially after last year’s paddy procurement mess left farmers selling Basmati at lower prices.
Similarly, Surjit Singh Phool, another farmer leader had said, “Haryana’s farmers are secure while we’re ignored. Punjab’s government must step up”
Even in southern India, the impact was felt. In Tamil Nadu, P. Ayyakkannu of SKM (Non-Political) praised Haryana saying, “Haryana’s leading the way. We need MSP laws everywhere.”
Taking a step further Haryana government has also formed a high-level committee to study crop costs to ensure fair prices, and they’ve raised limits for the 2025-26 Rabi season so farmers could get better price of their produce.
CM Saini even dared other states, tweeting on December 24, “Punjab, Himachal, Delhi—stop the politics and follow us!” Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s quiet response has farmer leaders fuming, with one protester saying, “Haryana’s winning while we’re losing. It’s unfair!”
Similarly, Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma emphasised the need for Punjab to emulate Haryana’s initiative, stating, “Haryana is the only state in the country to give MSP on 24 crops. It was a long pending