Quick answer: From the 2026-27 season, the Centre has raised the arhtiya commission (arhat) on government wheat and paddy procurement in Punjab and Haryana:
- Wheat: ₹50.75 per quintal (was ₹46.00)
- Paddy: ₹50.61 per quintal (was ₹45.88)
The agency pays this commission. It is not deducted from the farmer, who gets the full MSP directly in his bank account (DBT). For example, 100 quintals of wheat at the MSP of ₹2,585 is ₹2,58,500 to the farmer and ₹5,075 arhat to the arhtiya. Download the free calculator below. It also has a byaj (interest) calculator for farmer advances.
Key takeaways
- Arhat on government purchase is a fixed ₹ per quintal, paid by the procuring agency.
- On private sales (basmati, maize, mustard), arhat is usually a % of the sale value and is deducted from the farmer, along with labour.
- The free Excel file works out the arhat, the farmer’s amount and who pays what, and calculates byaj on advances by days.
- Every rate can be edited, because rates change each season.
Arhtiya commission rates 2026-27
| Crop (govt procurement) | MSP 2026-27 | Arhat – old | Arhat – from 2026-27 | Arhat on 100 qtl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat (Punjab, Haryana) | ₹2,585 / qtl | ₹46.00 / qtl | ₹50.75 / qtl | ₹5,075 |
| Paddy – common | ₹2,441 / qtl | ₹45.88 / qtl | ₹50.61 / qtl | ₹5,061 |
The commission paid to procurement societies and co-operatives was also raised: wheat from ₹27.00 to ₹29.79 per quintal and paddy from ₹32.00 to ₹35.30. Rajasthan’s wheat arhat went from ₹41.40 to ₹45.67.
Govt purchase vs private sale – who pays the arhat?
| Govt agency (MSP) | Private buyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Farmer is paid by | Agency, directly to his bank (DBT) | Arhtiya, after receiving from the buyer |
| Arhat | Fixed ₹ per quintal, paid by the agency | Usually a % of the sale value, deducted from the farmer |
| Labour / handling | As per agency rates | Often deducted from the farmer at ₹ per quintal |
Example of a private sale: 129.19 qtl of basmati at ₹4,050 = ₹5,23,219.50. Less 2.5% arhat (₹13,080) and labour at ₹12/qtl (₹1,550), the farmer gets ₹5,08,589. The arhat % and labour vary by mandi, so enter your own.
Byaj (interest) on farmer advances
Many arhtiyas give farmers advances and inputs (seed, fertiliser, diesel) and recover them after harvest. The byaj sheet works out simple interest at your rate per month (for example 1%), counting each entry by days with a month taken as 30 days. It then shows the principal outstanding, the interest and the total due. Charge interest only as allowed by law and your written agreement with the farmer.
Download the free Arhtiya Commission & Byaj Calculator
There are two sheets: Arhat Calculator and Byaj Calculator. Fill in the yellow cells. It works in Excel, Excel for Mac and Google Sheets.
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FAQs
Is arhat deducted from the farmer’s MSP payment?
No. In government procurement the farmer receives the full MSP in his bank account, and the agency pays the arhtiya’s commission separately.
From when do the new rates apply?
From the Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27 onwards, as announced by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in March 2026. Check your agency’s latest instructions.
What is the arhat on private sales?
It depends on the mandi and the crop, and is usually agreed as a percentage. Enter your rate. The 2.5% in the file is only an example.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. Open it in the Excel or Google Sheets app.
