Bhopal Farmers End Protest After Government Bows to Key Demands; Moong MSP Procurement Increased, E-Token System Scrapped

Bhopal: The farmers’ agitation that had gripped Madhya Pradesh’s capital for several days came to an end on Wednesday after the state government accepted several key demands of the protesters. Farmers protesting under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) withdrew their sit-in after the government assured increased procurement of moong at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), immediate suspension of the e-token system for fertiliser distribution, and positive action on other pending issues.

The protest was primarily sparked by limited procurement of moong despite a bumper harvest this season. Farmers alleged that the government’s procurement cap forced many cultivators to sell their produce in the open market at prices below the MSP. They also opposed the e-token system for fertiliser distribution, claiming it delayed timely availability of fertilisers during the crucial farming season.

Government Raises Procurement Limit to 60%

Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana announced that while the Centre had fixed a target of procuring 4.52 lakh metric tonnes of summer moong this year, the state has now increased procurement from the earlier 25% to 60% of every eligible farmer’s produce under the MSP scheme.

In districts such as Narmadapuram, Sehore and Harda, farmers will now be able to sell nearly 3 quintals of moong per acre at MSP. The government has also extended the slot booking deadline from July 30 to August 10, while procurement will continue until August 20 instead of August 10.

E-Token System Suspended

The state government has also suspended the e-token system for fertiliser distribution with immediate effect. A high-level committee headed by the Agriculture Production Commissioner will review the system after several implementation issues were flagged by farmers. The e-token arrangement will remain on hold until the review is completed.

Days of Protest End With Breakthrough

Around 2,000 farmers had marched from Narmadapuram to Bhopal with tractor-trolleys carrying food, bedding and other essentials. Despite barricades and restrictions at several locations, the protesters continued their march and eventually camped near Veer Savarkar Setu after being stopped from entering the city.

The agitation intensified as farmers cooked meals on the roadside and attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence, leading to brief confrontations with police. Following multiple rounds of negotiations, the government agreed to enhance moong procurement, extend procurement deadlines and suspend the e-token system.

After receiving these assurances, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha announced the withdrawal of the protest, bringing the prolonged agitation in Bhopal to a close.