Farmers Eye PM-Kisan Hike, MSP Update in Budget 2026; Direct Aid Likely

• Farmers anticipate a significant increase in the annual PM-Kisan assistance from ₹6,000 to potentially ₹10,000 in Budget 2026, citing rising inflation.
• Rating agency Brickwork Ratings suggests an increased PM-Kisan amount would boost farmers' direct income and market integration.
• The government is expected to prioritize direct cash transfers to farmers, potentially reducing the role of intermediaries.
• A legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlikely in Budget 2026, but the government will likely maintain the 50% profit over C2 cost formula.
• MSP for Rabi season 2026 wheat is fixed at ₹2,585 per quintal, a ₹160 increase, with procurement estimated at ₹84,263 crore.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 likely to boost PM-Kisan aid, maintain MSP formula, but no legal MSP guarantee.