Minimum support prices will now be announced before planting

KATHMANDU: Farmers will now be able to know the minimum support price of major crops even before planting.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Gita Chaudhary issued the Minimum Support Price and Minimum Procurement Price Determination Directive, 2026, on Friday.

With the implementation of the new directive, the ministry will now fix the minimum support prices for crops such as paddy (both monsoon and spring varieties), maize, wheat, and millet before the planting season.

In the case of sugarcane, however, field surveys and data collection will be completed by mid-August, following which a report will be submitted to the ministry by the end of August. A technical committee will then make recommendations by the last week of September, and the final recommendation will be made by the end of November.

Similarly, for wheat, surveys will be conducted by mid-August, while final recommendations of the minimum support price will be made by mid-October.

The directive has also set timelines for the study, analysis, and recommendation process for crops like spring paddy, monsoon paddy, monsoon maize, and millet, at various stages from November to May.

The government believes the directive will ensure that minimum support prices are determined before crop planting.

According to Minister Chaudhary, the system is expected to make it easier for farmers to choose crops, assist in production planning, and reduce market risks. She also expressed confidence that guaranteeing fair prices will boost investment and increase agricultural production.