India's key rabi season crops — wheat, chana (gram), and barley — sold at an average of 3-8% below their respective minimum support prices (MSPs) in mandis during the main harvesting period of April-June, according to mandi price data from the Agmarknet portal. Maize prices were the worst affected, ruling 24% below the MSP, while masur (lentil) was almost at par with the benchmark rate. Mustard emerged as the winner, selling 8% higher at an average of ₹6,674/quintal against the MSP of ₹6,200/quintal during April-June, and has now jumped further to ₹7,227/quintal, up 17% from the benchmark rate.
Price Performance Across Crops
The average mandi prices on July 8 show that, except for wheat, all other crops are now ruling above their past three-month averages. The pan-India average farm-gate price for wheat was ₹2,506/quintal during April–June, down 3% from its MSP of ₹2,585/quintal. However, on July 8, its price dropped further to ₹2,485/quintal. Siraj Hussain, former Union Agriculture Secretary, expressed surprise: "Normally, at the peak of procurement season and peak of arrivals, the prices tend to be low and later on, when the crop is harvested, the prices rise. I am quite surprised that wheat price in July is lower than the average of April to June period."
Among cereals, barley averaged ₹2,072/quintal (down 4% from ₹2,150 MSP) during harvesting, but has surged by ₹162 to reach ₹2,234/quintal now. Maize, substantially grown in rabi and zaid seasons, averaged ₹1,830/quintal (down 24% from ₹2,400 MSP), and currently stands at ₹1,959, showing some improvement. In pulses, chana averaged ₹5,406/quintal (8% below ₹5,875 MSP) and now trades at ₹5,649/quintal.
| Crop | MSP (₹/quintal) | Avg Apr-Jun Price (₹/quintal) | % Below MSP (Apr-Jun) | Price on Jul 8 (₹/quintal) | % Change from MSP (Jul 8) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 2,585 | 2,506 | -3% | 2,485 | -4% |
| Barley | 2,150 | 2,072 | -4% | 2,234 | +4% |
| Maize | 2,400 | 1,830 | -24% | 1,959 | -18% |
| Chana | 5,875 | 5,406 | -8% | 5,649 | -4% |
| Mustard | 6,200 | 6,674 | +8% | 7,227 | +17% |
Mustard’s Outperformance
Mustard, the season’s main oilseed crop, was the only rabi crop to average above MSP during the harvest period. Its average price of ₹6,674/quintal (8% above MSP) has since climbed further to ₹7,227/quintal — a 17% premium. While higher mandi prices benefit farmers, any substantial rise also contributes to food inflation, according to the Agmarknet data.
Implications for Traders and Analysts
The data reveals a mixed picture: except wheat, most crops are recovering from harvest-time lows, suggesting improved market clearance. For procurement teams, the wheat price dip in July is anomalous and may signal delayed government buying or quality issues. Maize remains under pressure despite a slight recovery, offering potential opportunities for buyers. Mustard’s sustained premium reflects strong demand for oilseeds. Traders should monitor upcoming arrivals and MSP procurement trends, as well as any government intervention to support prices.
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