The Opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh organized a statewide protest regarding alleged delays in wheat procurement. Protests took place in various districts, with Congress members and farmers demonstrating outside Collector offices against the BJP-led government. The issue of wheat procurement has become a significant political concern at the beginning of the rabi marketing season.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar led a protest in Sehore, the home district of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Singhar criticized the government for delaying procurement, accusing it of pushing farmers into distress sales. He highlighted discrepancies between registered farmers and the actual quantity of wheat procured, suggesting that middlemen are benefiting at the expense of farmers.
State Congress president Jitu Patwari visited the agricultural produce market in Sagar district to meet with farmers. During the visit, farmers raised concerns about mismanagement, procurement delays, shortages of gunny bags, and inadequate facilities at the mandi. Patwari pointed out these issues as signs of poor on-ground execution, despite the government’s claims of readiness. He emphasized that farmers are facing hardships, indicating both logistical challenges and administrative shortcomings.
The Congress has criticized the government for not fulfilling promises of better prices and timely procurement, asserting that delays have placed many farmers in financial distress. In contrast, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav affirmed the state’s readiness for procurement, mentioning the establishment of numerous procurement centers and the assurance of necessary arrangements, including gunny bags. The government has also implemented help desks and control rooms to assist farmers during the process.
While procurement at Minimum Support Price began in divisions like Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram, it will commence in other divisions such as Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Shahdol, and others from April 15. The state government is purchasing wheat at the Minimum Support Price of Rs 2,625 per quintal, with an additional bonus of Rs 40.
