The government hiked the minimum support price (MSP) or purchase price for paddy crops up to Rs. 200 per quintal as it looked to fulfill its poll promise to give farmers 50 per cent more rate than their cost of production. The announcement of higher MSP coupled with the forecast of normal monsoon this year, could further boost foodgrains output. The MSP of paddy (common grade) has been increased by Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,750 per quintal, while that of Grade A variety by Rs. 180 per quintal to Rs. 1,770.