Farmers' protest ends after MP government's decision to buy 60 percent of produce

The state government has announced to purchase up to 60 percent of moong from every eligible farmer amidst the ongoing farmers' protest in Madhya Pradesh. In districts like Narmadapuram, Sehore, and Hoshangabad, about three quintals per acre will be purchased. The slot booking period has been extended till August 10 and the last date for moong procurement has been fixed as August 20.

After a meeting between the government and farmer representatives at Mantralaya on Wednesday night, farmers have called off their protest. Following an agreement between the government and farmer representatives, farmers returned to their homes. The administration arranged buses to drop farmers at their vehicles. The protest was completely called off by late night.

Additional Chief Secretary Shailendra Singh Chouhan said that farmers have given their consent. After this, the administration arranged buses to drop farmers at their vehicles from Roshanpura Chowk. Later, Roshanpura Chowk was almost empty. Except for the route towards Ban Ganga, other routes were opened for traffic.

Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel said that on the instructions of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, a committee of ministers formed to talk to farmers on Wednesday had a discussion with farmer representatives. Considering the larger interest of farmers, the state government has taken an important decision to purchase 60 percent of moong production from every eligible farmer, which is about three quintals per acre in districts like Narmadapuram, Sehore, and Hoshangabad. This decision will be implemented immediately and an effort will be made to benefit as many farmers as possible.

He said that considering the convenience of farmers, the government has also decided to extend the slot booking period by 10 days. Now, farmers can book slots till August 10 instead of July 30. Similarly, the last date for procurement is also being extended from August 10 to August 20.

Agriculture Minister Patel said that the Madhya Pradesh government has always worked in the interest of farmers. Annadata (farmers) are the foundation of the state's economy and prosperity, and the state government is working with full commitment to ensure a fair price for the crops produced by their hard work.

He said that the Government of India had set a target of 4.52 lakh metric tons for moong procurement in Madhya Pradesh this year. Under the Government of India's scheme, there is a provision to purchase up to 25 percent of the state's total production. The decision was taken under the law of the Government of India that at least 25 percent of the production will be purchased from the state's moong-producing farmers at the minimum support price (MSP).

He assured farmer brothers and sisters that the Madhya Pradesh government is always with them. As far as the complaints and practical problems related to the e-token system implemented for fertilizer distribution are concerned, this system is an important reform of the state government and will provide significant convenience and benefits to farmers in the coming time.

The Agriculture Minister said that since it is a new system, considering the problems being faced at the initial level, the Chief Minister has decided to form a high-level committee under the chairmanship of the Agriculture Production Commissioner. This committee will review all the issues related to the e-token system and submit its recommendations to the state government. Necessary reforms will be made immediately based on the committee's recommendations. The e-token system for fertilizer distribution is being suspended till the suggestions are received and reforms are made.