The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs announced an increase of 2% to 9% in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for six mandated rabi crops for this season. The sowing of the six crops has started. The farmers’ organisations, which have been alleging that the Centre is delaying the announcement of the MSP, said, by keeping the MSP of wheat low and announcing a paltry hike, the Centre is helping big corporate houses in the sector to make quick money. They said farmers will be forced to sell their produce to private traders like last year as the MSP is low. For wheat, the MSP is Rs. 2,125 for a quintal. Last year, the price was Rs. 2,015 and the increase this year Rs. 110.