Farmers Protest in Bhopal Over MSP and Other Demands

Farmers in Bhopal are protesting for a 100% minimum support price (MSP) on moong, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Despite initial talks with the government, no resolution was reached, prompting farmers to continue their demonstrations. The administration has deployed a large police presence and closed nearby schools to manage the situation. Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana engaged with farmer representatives, emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing their concerns. The farmers are urging for better procurement targets to ensure fair prices and continued interest in pulse production. Read on for more details on this ongoing situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 12:18 IST

Farmers' Negotiations with Government Yield No Results

On July 29, farmers gathered in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, to demand a 100% purchase of moong at the minimum support price (MSP) among other issues. The initial round of discussions with the government on Tuesday night ended without any resolution. During these talks, officials assured the farmers that the government is sensitive to their legitimate demands and will take necessary actions for a prompt and positive resolution. Despite this, farmers remained on the streets throughout the night, continuing their protests.

Traffic Disruptions Due to Protests

The protests significantly disrupted traffic on Narmadapuram Road, leading to congestion in surrounding areas. To alleviate the situation, police advised residents to use alternative routes. Thousands of farmers, who had announced plans to encircle the Chief Minister's residence, were halted before reaching the Veer Savarkar Setu on Narmadapuram Road.

Schools Closed and Police Presence Increased

In response to the protests, the administration declared a holiday for schools in nearby areas on Wednesday morning. A large police force was deployed at the site, with senior officials from both police and administration present. Numerous barricades were set up to prevent farmers from advancing, and additional police units were called in from other districts.

Police Preparedness and Ongoing Discussions

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Aditya Raj Singh stated in an interview that adequate police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. Barricades have been placed to ensure smooth vehicle movement, and traffic route changes have been effectively implemented. Ongoing discussions are taking place at senior levels regarding the situation.

Farmers' March and Government Engagement

The farmers' march, organized under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, reached Bhopal on Tuesday after starting from Budhni in Sehore district on Monday evening. Madhya Pradesh's Agriculture Minister, Aidal Singh Kansana, met with representatives of the protesting farmers at the ministry on Tuesday night to listen to their concerns. He stated that there was a positive discussion regarding the farmers' key demands, particularly those related to moong procurement.

Commitment to Farmers' Interests

Kansana reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding farmers' interests, emphasizing that officials have been instructed to prioritize the resolution of farmers' issues, including those related to moong procurement. He urged farmers to maintain peace and seek solutions through dialogue, highlighting that the government and farmers should work collaboratively.

Request for Increased Procurement Targets

After discussions with farmers, Kansana wrote to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, requesting an increase in the procurement target for summer moong. In his letter, he emphasized the need to ensure that farmers receive better prices and that they remain interested in pulse production in the future, which cannot be achieved under the current target limits set by the central government.