- The article argues that Indian agriculture needs a shift from price support (like MSP) to direct income support to ensure sustainable farmer welfare. - While MSP distorts cropping patterns and benefits only a small fraction of farmers (primarily in wheat and paddy-growing regions), direct income support provides better targeting and fiscal sustainability. - Reforming agricultural policies requires addressing structural bottlenecks, reducing market distortions, and encouraging diversification towards high-value agriculture. - **Minimum Support Price:** A government-guaranteed floor price announced before sowing to protect farmers from market price crashes and support food security procurement. - **PM-KISAN:** A Central Sector scheme providing direct cash transfers to landholding farmer families to supplement input costs and household needs. - **World Trade Organization:** An international organization regulating global trade, whose Agreement on Agriculture classifies price-support subsidies like MSP under trade-distorting Amber Box limits. **Introduction** An editorial piece discussing the limitations of Minimum Support Price (MSP) as a tool for agricultural welfare, suggesting that direct income support mechanisms are more efficient and equitable for Indian farmers. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The article argues that Indian agriculture needs a shift from price support (like MSP) to direct income support to ensure sustainable farmer welfare. - While MSP distorts cropping patterns and benefits only a small fraction of farmers (primarily in wheat and paddy-growing regions), direct income support provides better targeting and fiscal sustainability. - Reforming agricultural policies requires addressing structural bottlenecks, reducing market distortions, and encouraging diversification towards high-value agriculture. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Minimum Support Price:** A government-guaranteed floor price announced before sowing to protect farmers from market price crashes and support food security procurement. - **PM-KISAN:** A Central Sector scheme providing direct cash transfers to landholding farmer families to supplement input costs and household needs. - **World Trade Organization:** An international organization regulating global trade, whose Agreement on Agriculture classifies price-support subsidies like MSP under trade-distorting Amber Box limits.