Wheat procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is commencing in parts of Madhya Pradesh starting Thursday. The procurement will kick off in the Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Narmadapuram divisions, with other regions scheduled to start from April 15. The procurement rate set by the Centre for this season is Rs 2,585 per quintal, with an additional bonus of Rs 40 per quintal provided by the state government, totaling Rs 2,625 per quintal for farmers.
To ensure a smooth process, officials will welcome farmers at the procurement centers, with the entire operation being monitored from a control room established at the Chief Minister’s Office. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed appreciation for farmers’ hard work in these divisions and highlighted the commencement of wheat procurement at MSP.
Efforts have been made to enhance facilities at procurement centers across the state, with the setup of help desks and control rooms at the district level. District administrations are actively disseminating information through pamphlets and hoardings at these centers to educate farmers not only on procurement procedures but also on available welfare schemes. Basic amenities like drinking water and shaded waiting areas are being provided to ease the process for farmers during peak procurement days.
Despite these preparations, the Opposition Congress has announced a statewide protest, alleging a delay in the procurement process and inconvenience caused to farmers. Congress leaders and workers are planning to stage protests at Collector offices throughout the state. Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee chief Jitu Patwari and Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar will participate in the protest in Chhatarpur district.
The simultaneous occurrences of the wheat procurement rollout and political protests are setting the stage for a closely monitored wheat season in Madhya Pradesh.
