Cabinet Approves MSP for Copra

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the retention of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Fair Average Quality (FAQ) of "Milling Copra" and "Ball Copra" for 2014 season at the level of the previous year (2013 season) of Rs. 5250 per quintal and Rs. 5500 per quintal, respectively, as recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

The MSP of copra is expected to ensure minimum prices to farmers and step up investment in coconut cultivation and thereby production and productivity in the country.

The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) would continue to act as the nodal agency to undertake price support operations at the MSP in coconut growing states.

In addition to the NAFED, the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), the National Cooperative Consumer Federation of India Limited (NCCF) and the Small Farmer's Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) are also allowed to participate in procurement operations.

[Source: PIB (CCEA) Press Release dated 12^th December 2013]