The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday agreed to procure 60% of the moong crop from eligible farmers, extended the procurement deadline, and suspended the e-token system for fertiliser distribution, prompting agitating farmers to call off their protest in Bhopal. The decision, announced after talks between state government representatives and farmer leaders at the secretariat, marks a significant concession from the earlier 25% procurement level and is expected to ease supply tensions in the summer moong market.
Procurement expansion and protest resolution
The state government increased procurement from each eligible farmer from 25% to 60% of the moong crop, effective immediately for farmers producing around three quintals per acre in districts such as Narmadapuram, Sehore, and Harda, according to an official statement. The government said efforts would be made to extend the benefit to the maximum number of cultivators. Additionally, the last date for procurement was extended from August 10 to August 20, and the slot-booking deadline from July 30 to August 10.
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement percentage | 25% of crop | 60% of crop |
| Procurement deadline | August 10 | August 20 |
| Slot-booking deadline | July 30 | August 10 |
Farmer leaders initially maintained demand for 100% procurement at minimum support price (MSP), but after government assurances, Prateek Sharma, state coordinator of the Rashtravadi Kisan Army, told PTI Video that farmers were satisfied and all participating organisations jointly decided to withdraw the agitation. Additional Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh Chouhan confirmed that protesting farmers accepted the announcements and were returning home, with buses arranged from Roshanpura Square.
Government concessions and farmer demands
The agitation, involving thousands of farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha and 18 other organisations, had disrupted traffic on Narmadapuram Road since Tuesday night after initial talks failed. Farmers demanded procurement of the entire summer moong crop at MSP, abolition of the e-token system for fertiliser distribution, and timely availability of adequate fertilisers for the next sowing season.
State Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana announced that a committee would be constituted to examine complaints and practical difficulties related to the e-token system and recommend improvements. Till the committee submits its recommendations, the e-token-based fertiliser distribution system will remain suspended with immediate effect.
Central procurement limits and market implications
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav clarifying that the Centre had already approved procurement of up to 454,580 metric tonnes of summer moong for Madhya Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme for the 2025-26 season, accounting for 87% of the total quantity approved nationwide under the PM-AASHA scheme. He noted that the Centre does not prescribe procurement targets for states, and procurement beyond the prescribed limit must be undertaken by the state government.
For commodity traders, the 60% procurement mandate could support moong prices by reducing marketable surplus, especially in key producing districts like Narmadapuram, Sehore, and Harda. However, the protest's withdrawal removes an immediate supply disruption risk. The extended deadline and suspension of the e-token system may improve fertiliser availability for the upcoming kharif season, potentially boosting summer moong yields. Market participants will monitor state-level procurement execution and any further policy adjustments as the committee reviews the e-token mechanism.
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