Farmers march on Bhopal demanding 100% moong procurement at MSP, disrupt traffic
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Farmers marched to Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, demanding 100% procurement of moong at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other agricultural reforms.
- The protest caused significant traffic disruptions and clashes with police as farmers breached barricades.
- Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana held discussions with farmer representatives and assured their interests would be protected, while also requesting an increase in the summer moong procurement target from the central government.
Farmers converged on the Madhya Pradesh capital of Bhopal, launching a protest that disrupted traffic and led to overnight demonstrations. Wielding national flags and chanting slogans, the farmers aimed to pressure the government on key agricultural demands, including the full procurement of moong at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The protest saw tractor-trolleys carrying supplies, with participants vowing to remain until their demands were met. Visuals from the scene depicted farmers climbing onto buses and breaking through police barricades, highlighting the intensity of their demonstration. Traffic on Narmadapuram Road was severely affected, leading to extensive jams.
In response, Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana engaged in discussions with farmer representatives late Tuesday night. He assured them that the government was committed to protecting their interests, particularly concerning moong procurement. Kansana also communicated with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeking an increased procurement target for summer moong to ensure farmers receive better prices and remain encouraged in pulse cultivation.
Despite the government's assurances and ongoing dialogue, a significant number of farmers remained on the streets overnight. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the formation of a ministerial committee to further engage with the agitating farmers, expressing confidence that a resolution would be reached.
The government's objective is to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce and are protected from any inconvenience.
Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.