Rabi Marketing Season 2025–26: Mustard and Wheat Prices Show Divergent Trends in Mandis

New Delhi. Friday, 10 April 2026

The Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025–26 has commenced with a significant contrast in the price trajectories of India’s two most critical winter crops. While wheat prices remain robust, buoyed by aggressive government procurement and a strategic hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP), mustard prices are grappling with downward pressure due to a massive supply glut and competition from cheaper global edible oil imports.

Wheat: Stability Driven by Policy and Demand

Wheat remains the anchor of the Indian agricultural market this season. The government’s decision to hike the MSP for wheat to ₹2,425 per quintal for the 2025–26 season (a ₹150 increase from the previous year) has provided a solid floor for market rates.

• Procurement Momentum: Across major belts in Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, government agencies have streamlined digital procurement, ensuring farmers receive payments directly.

• Production Outlook: With sowing area exceeding 320 lakh hectares, India is eyeing a record production of approximately 120 million tonnes.

• Correction Note: While some early reports suggested a potential shortage due to heatwaves, the actual harvest data for 2026 shows that late-sown varieties and favorable February weather have mitigated these losses, keeping supply steady.

Latest Agriculture News – Matribhumi Samachar

Mustard: Supply Surplus Tests the MSP Floor

In contrast, mustard farmers are facing a tougher environment. Despite the government setting a record MSP of ₹5,950 per quintal for mustard (a ₹300 hike), market prices in several mandis have slipped below this mark.

• The Oilseed Dilemma: Record production (estimated at over 13 million tonnes) has flooded the mandis. However, demand from oil mills remains tepid as they pivot toward cheaper imported palm and soybean oils.

• Government Intervention: Agencies like NAFED and NCCF have stepped in under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) to prevent distress sales, but the sheer volume of arrivals continues to test the infrastructure.

Quick Comparison: RMS 2025–26 Key Figures

Expert Insight: For the upcoming 2026–27 season, the government has already signaled further support with a wheat MSP hike to ₹2,585, indicating a long-term bullish outlook for cereal crops while oilseed farmers may need to wait for a correction in global edible oil markets to see better returns.

Government MSP Updates for 2026

Disclaimer

This content does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Farmers, traders, and investors are strongly encouraged to verify current rates with their local Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) or official government portals (such as Agmarknet) before making any significant sale or purchase decisions.