Government accepts procurement, fertiliser demands
Key Highlights
- Farmers withdraw protest after talks with the state government.
- MSP procurement of moong increased from 25% to 60%.
- Moong procurement deadline extended to August 20.
- Slot booking deadline extended to August 10.
- Government suspends fertiliser e-token system with immediate effect.
- Review committee to examine fertiliser distribution issues.
- Farmers in Narmadapuram, Sehore and Harda expected to benefit.
- Government arranged transport for protesting farmers to return home safely.
The prolonged farmers’ protest in Bhopal has officially ended after the Madhya Pradesh government agreed to several key demands related to moong procurement and fertiliser distribution, bringing relief to thousands of cultivators across the state.
Following discussions between state officials and representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha along with other farmer organisations, the government announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the concerns raised during the agitation. Farmer groups subsequently declared the withdrawal of the protest.
One of the most significant announcements is the increase in government procurement of moong under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme. Eligible farmers will now be able to sell up to 60% of their moong production at MSP, a substantial increase from the previous limit of 25%. The revised procurement policy is expected to particularly benefit farmers in major pulse-producing districts such as Narmadapuram, Sehore and Harda.
To provide additional relief, the state government has also extended the last date for moong procurement to August 20, giving farmers more time to sell their produce. The deadline for slot booking has likewise been extended to August 10, allowing growers to complete the process without facing time constraints.
Another major issue raised by protesting farmers was the implementation of the e-token system for fertiliser distribution. Farmers argued that the digital system was causing delays in accessing fertilisers during the crucial farming season.
Responding to these concerns, the government has suspended the e-token system with immediate effect. Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana announced that a committee will be formed to review the existing mechanism, study practical challenges faced by farmers and recommend improvements before any revised system is introduced.
Farmer organisations welcomed the government’s positive response, stating that their principal demands had been addressed. As a result, they decided to end the agitation while continuing to monitor the implementation of the announced measures.
The state administration also arranged buses to facilitate the safe return of farmers who had gathered in Bhopal for the protest.
The demonstrations, which affected traffic in several parts of Bhopal, including the Narmadapuram Road corridor, were organised primarily to demand full MSP procurement of moong, improved fertiliser availability and the removal of the e-token distribution system. With the latest government decisions, both sides have expressed hope that the immediate concerns of farmers will be resolved while longer-term policy improvements are considered.
