Bhopal, April 9 (AHN) The Opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh staged a state-wide protest on Thursday over alleged delays in wheat procurement, even as the procurement process in four divisions, including Bhopal and Indore, was made operational.​

Protests were held in several districts, with Congress workers and farmers gheraoing Collector offices and raising slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government. ​

The issue of wheat procurement has emerged as a major political flashpoint at the start of the rabi marketing season.​

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Umang Singhar, led a protest in Sehore, the home district of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. ​

Addressing the rally, he accused the government of delaying procurement and forcing farmers into distress sales.​

He questioned the gap between the number of registered farmers and the quantity of wheat procured so far, alleging that the situation is benefiting middlemen rather than cultivators.​

Meanwhile, state Congress president Jitu Patwari visited the agricultural produce market in Sagar district and interacted with farmers. ​

During the visit, farmers complained of mismanagement, delays in procurement, a shortage of gunny bags, and a lack of basic facilities at the mandi.​

Patwari said these issues point to poor ground-level implementation, despite the government's claims of preparedness. ​

He alleged that farmers are being forced to wait for days with their produce under difficult conditions, adding that the problem is not just logistical but also reflects a lack of administrative intent.​

The Congress has also accused the government of failing to deliver on promises related to better prices and timely procurement, claiming that delays have pushed many farmers into financial distress.​

On the other hand, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has maintained that the state is fully prepared for procurement. ​

He stated that thousands of procurement centres have been set up and that adequate arrangements, including the availability of gunny bags, are being ensured. The government has also deployed help desks and control rooms to facilitate farmers.​

While procurement at Minimum Support Price began in divisions such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram on Thursday, the process in the remaining divisions – Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Shahdol, and others – will start from April 15.​

The state government is procuring wheat at the Minimum Support Price of Rs 2,625 per quintal, including a bonus of Rs 40.​