Madhya Pradesh Farmers End Protest After Government Hikes Moong Procurement, Halts E-token System

Farmers in Madhya Pradesh have called off their widespread protest after the state government agreed to significantly increase the procurement of moong (green gram) from 25% to 60% of their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This crucial decision, announced late Wednesday, also includes extending the procurement deadline and, importantly, suspending the controversial e-token fertiliser distribution system that had sparked considerable farmer discontent. The week-long agitation saw thousands of farmers, united under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and 18 other organisations, march towards Chief Minister Mohan Yadav residence in Bhopal, breaching barricades and demanding full procurement. The core of their grievance stemmed from the Union Government Price Support Scheme, which capped moong procurement at just 25% of the state's estimated 20.1 lakh metric tonnes, leaving farmers to sell the rest below MSP in open markets. This disparity, coupled with issues in fertiliser distribution, fueled a major confrontation between the agricultural community and the state. With the state government's concessions, including extending the slot booking for procurement until August 10 and the final procurement date to August 20, farmers are now returning home. A high-level committee, headed by the Agriculture Production Commissioner, will review the e-token system, which remains suspended until reforms are recommended. This move aims to prevent future disruptions and ensures farmers have fairer access to essential agricultural inputs and equitable prices for their produce.