Thousands of farmers from several districts of Madhya Pradesh have marched to Bhopal and launched an indefinite protest, demanding that the state procure 100 per cent of their moong (green gram) crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Organised under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the protest intensified after farmers crossed multiple police barricades while attempting to reach Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s residence.
Police stopped the march on the Bhopal-Narmadapuram highway, where protesters have now set up camp with food, bedding and cooking supplies, declaring they will not leave until their demands are accepted.
Besides full MSP procurement, farmers are seeking the withdrawal of the e-token system for fertiliser distribution and a return to allocation based on land records.
Authorities have tightened security, diverted traffic and deployed additional police personnel, while discussions between the administration and farmer representatives have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.
Farmers Dig In As Talks Fail
The ongoing agitation involves around 2,000 farmers representing 19 organisations from districts including Narmadapuram, Raisen and nearby regions. Many protesters began their journey carrying sacks of grain, cooking utensils, tents and supplies sufficient for several days, signalling their intention to sustain a prolonged sit-in if necessary.
Farmer leaders argue that although the Centre has announced procurement support for several pulses, moong procurement in Madhya Pradesh remains limited under the Price Support Scheme, leaving a large portion of their harvest vulnerable to distress sales in the open market despite the MSP being fixed at ₹8,768 per quintal for the 2026-27 season.
Speaking during the protest, farmer leader Arun Patel said the agitation would continue until the government accepted their demands for complete procurement of the moong crop, the scrapping of the e-token system and improved fertiliser distribution.
Protester Deepak Jat told ANI that farmers had come prepared with rations for several days because they did not intend to leave without a concrete assurance from the government.
Meanwhile, police officials stopped the march before it could reach the Chief Minister’s residence, erected barricades across key routes and diverted traffic to maintain law and order. Several schools in affected areas also declared a holiday due to the disruption.
Why Farmers Are Protesting
The protest stems from growing frustration over procurement delays and restrictions affecting moong growers in India’s largest moong-producing state. Farmer organisations argue that procurement limits under the Price Support Scheme prevent many cultivators from selling their produce at MSP, forcing them to accept significantly lower market prices despite a strong harvest this season.
They also allege that the e-token system for fertiliser distribution has become cumbersome and inaccessible for many farmers, resulting in delays during crucial agricultural periods.
According to reports, the state has requested the Centre to increase procurement, while opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, have urged the government to expedite purchases, claiming that only a small proportion of the approved procurement target had been completed by mid-July.
As of now, the state government has not announced any decision accepting the farmers’ principal demands, and negotiations remain ongoing.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Farmers form the backbone of India’s food security, and their concerns deserve timely, transparent and constructive engagement.
Peaceful democratic protest is an important constitutional right, while governments have an equally important responsibility to ensure that dialogue remains open and responsive.
Whether through procurement policies, technology-driven reforms or administrative changes, solutions should prioritise fairness, predictability and the dignity of those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.
At the same time, maintaining public order and ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services remains vital during large-scale demonstrations. How do you think governments can strike a better balance between protecting farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring efficient agricultural reforms that benefit everyone?
#WATCH | Bhopal, MP | Farmers marched from Narmadapuram to Bhopal demanding 100% procurement of moong crop at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and related issues. (28.07) pic.twitter.com/xUVmEfBYR4
— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2026
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