The Price-Support Gap
While the MSP is designed to act as a financial safety net, several key crops in Gujarat are currently trading below these benchmarks. Groundnut, a cornerstone of the state’s oilseed sector, saw an average market price of Rs. 6,926.40 per quintal, trailing nearly Rs. 337 behind its MSP of Rs. 7,263.00. Similarly, Cotton—the lifeblood of the local textile economy—faced a deficit, with market rates hovering around Rs. 7,546.68 against a support price of Rs. 7,710.00.
Bajra (Pearl Millet) also remains under pressure, with market realizations averaging Rs. 2,632.84, falling short of the Rs. 2,775.00 threshold. These figures suggest that despite administrative efforts to stabilize the market, supply-demand dynamics continue to favor buyers in these specific categories.
Bright Spots in Cereals and Oilseeds
In contrast, Jowar (Sorghum) has emerged as the season’s overperformer. Trading at a commanding Rs. 4,639.71 per quintal, it has surged past its MSP of Rs. 3,699.00, indicating robust demand despite relatively low arrival volumes of just 37.72 metric tonnes.
Wheat and Mustard also maintained a healthy posture, both trading slightly above their respective support prices. Mustard, in particular, fetched Rs. 6,275.46 against an MSP of Rs. 5,950.00, offering some respite to oilseed growers who have pivoted away from the struggling Groundnut and Sesamum segments.
Comparative Market Data (2026-27 Season)
| Commodity | MSP (Rs./Quintal) | Market Price (Rs./Quintal) | Status vs. MSP |
| Jowar | 3,699.00 | 4,639.71 | Above |
| Wheat | 2,425.00 | 2,581.61 | Above |
| Mustard | 5,950.00 | 6,275.46 | Above |
| Cotton | 7,710.00 | 7,546.68 | Below |
| Groundnut | 7,263.00 | 6,926.40 | Below |
| Arhar (Tur) | 8,000.00 | 7,638.56 | Below |
Arrival Trends and Economic Impact
The volume of arrivals continues to dictate the pace of the market. Cotton saw the highest influx with over 2,528 metric tonnes entering the markets, followed closely by Groundnut at 1,586 metric tonnes. The high arrival rate of Arhar (Tur)—totaling 1,406 metric tonnes—has likely contributed to its price softening to Rs. 7,638.56, well below the Rs. 8,000.00 MSP.
The current data highlights a critical juncture for Gujarat’s agricultural policy. As the gap between "promised" and "actual" prices persists for staple crops, the focus shifts toward state intervention and procurement strategies. For the thousands of farmers currently offloading their yields, the discrepancy represents not just a statistical variance, but a direct impact on their seasonal profit margins and debt-servicing capabilities.
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