Farmers' March to Bhopal Demands Full MSP for Moong and More

Farmers Arrive in Bhopal Amidst Heavy Police Presence

On July 28, a group of farmers from Narmadapuram reached Bhopal as part of a march advocating for various demands, including the full minimum support price (MSP) for moong. Their plan to encircle the Chief Minister's residence was halted by police at the Veer Savarkar Bridge on Hoshangabad Road, where a significant police force was deployed along with senior officials from law enforcement and administration.

To prevent the farmers from advancing, numerous barricades were erected, and additional police units were summoned from neighboring districts. This march, organized under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, had previously reached Budhni in Sehore district late Monday evening before arriving in Bhopal on Tuesday. The farmers, waving the national flag, chanted slogans like 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' and voiced their opposition to the government.

Key demands from the farmers include the complete purchase of moong at MSP, resolution of issues related to the e-token system, and timely availability of fertilizers at fair prices. The march commenced after a protest and recitation of Hanuman Chalisa at Sethani Ghat in Narmadapuram. Subsequently, police attempted to block their path at various locations, including the Bhopal intersection, by setting up barricades.

Despite police efforts to stop them at multiple points along the route from Budhni to Bhopal, the farmers continued to push through the obstacles. Many tractors and trailers accompanying the farmers were stocked with food and water supplies. One protester mentioned that they had provisions for five days and would not retreat until their demands were met.

In the meantime, former Chief Minister Kamal Nath wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, accusing the government of neglecting the plight of moong farmers in the state. He urged officials to expedite the purchasing process for moong. Nath highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is the largest moong-producing state in the country, with the central government setting a target of 4.54 lakh metric tons for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

He claimed that only two percent of this target had been achieved by July 16, forcing farmers to sell their produce at lower prices. Nath emphasized the need for the government to accelerate the purchasing process immediately.