Farmers Demand MSP for Basmati, Tobacco Farmers Seek GST Relief Ahead of Budget 2026

• Basmati farmers in R.S. Pura, Jammu, are demanding Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their premium Basmati rice, citing difficulties without government support.
• The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) urges budgetary support to strengthen rice exports, highlighting challenges like rising costs and market volatility.
• Tobacco farmers in Kheda district, Gujarat, are concerned about high GST (increased to 40%) and a new excise duty, warning it could devastate their industry.
• Farmers anticipate job losses and economic disruption if no relief is provided, with many threatening to abandon tobacco cultivation.
• Both Basmati and tobacco farmers appeal to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for favorable announcements in the upcoming budget.

Why It Matters: Farmers across India are demanding MSP for Basmati and tax relief for tobacco in the upcoming Union Budget.