Madhya Pradesh ends protests by moong growers after the state government revises procurement and related support measures. According to multiple reports, the government increases the moong procurement level from 25% to up to 60% of the produce of every eligible farmer. Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana announces the changes following a meeting with representatives of agitating farmers, stating the earlier 25% level was aligned with a central scheme but the state is now expanding procurement to benefit more farmers.
The government also extends the procurement schedule by 10 days, shifting the deadline from August 10 to August 20. In addition, it suspends the e-token system used for fertiliser distribution, effective immediately. The reports say the e-token system was introduced as a reform, but farmers raised concerns after its rollout.
A high-level review process is set in motion: the chief minister constitutes a committee chaired by the Agriculture Production Commissioner to examine the fertiliser distribution system and recommend changes. Pending those recommendations and reforms, the state keeps the e-token mechanism suspended. Farmers call off their protest after the government’s revised procurement terms, deadline extension, and suspension of the fertiliser e-token system.
