New Delhi, March 10 -- A looming record harvest and the war in West Asia are likely to spur more wheat farmers to seek higher support prices via government procurement as the staple fetches 15% lower than last year in the open market, according to farmers and sector experts.

The minimum support price (MSP) of Rs.2,585 per quintal announced for the current rabi marketing season 2026-27 is Rs.290 per quintal higher than the average wheat price in the open market is around Rs.2,294.82 per quintal as on 7 March.

Lower prices in the open market this year reflect forecasts of up to 120 million tonnes output for the current year, driven by higher acreage, favourable conditions and state incentives. At that level, it would surpass the previous ...