Federal government has stated that minimum assistance cost for rabi crops exceeds their production costThe federal government on Monday said that the minimum support cost (MSP) authorized for Rabi crops for the 2022-23 Rabi marketing season is higher or equal to 1.5 times of their expense of production.According to a statement provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, the expected returns to farmers over their expense of production is to be highest in case of wheat along with rapeseed and mustard, at 100 percent each.In case of lentils, gram, barley and safflower, the anticipated returns are 79 per cent, 74 percent, 60 percent and 50 percent respectively.Last week the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had authorized the increase in the MSP for all designated Rabi crops for Rabi marketing season 2022-23, when in advance of the sowing season.The decision taken by the government can be seen in the light of the ongoing farmers agitation over the 3 questionable farm laws, where apprehensions by growers that the concern of MSP getting jeopardized, is key.The ministry's declaration went on to add that MSP is an essential part of farming price policy and it is targeted at guaranteeing support price to farmers and affordable rates to the customers as well.Based on the suggestions of the Commission for Agricultural Expenses and Costs (CACP), the government states MSP, for which it also considers views of states and Main ministries.The factors considered by CACP for repairing MSP consist of expense of production, domestic and worldwide rates, demand-supply conditions, inter-crop rate parity, along with regards to trade in between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.