MP govt eases moong procurement norms after farmer talks

Bhopal, July 29 (AHN) Facing mounting pressure from protesting farmers, the Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday announced a slew of concessions for moong growers, including raising the procurement limit to 60 per cent of eligible produce, extending the slot booking deadline by 10 days, and suspending the controversial e-token system with immediate effect.

The decisions were taken during a meeting between a group of ministers and representatives of the agitating farmers in Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana announced the measures after the meeting.

The development came after hundreds of farmers, led by the Congress, marched from Narmadapuram to Bhopal demanding better procurement arrangements for moong, extension of the procurement period, and withdrawal of the e-token system.

The protesters attempted to march towards Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s residence before being stopped by police, following which the government invited farmer representatives for talks.

Announcing the decisions, Kansana said the state government had accepted several key demands of the farmers.

“While the Government of India’s scheme provides for procurement of up to 25 per cent of production, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to increase the procurement limit to 60 per cent. Every eligible farmer will be able to sell produce equivalent to 60 per cent of the approved quantity, calculated at three quintals per acre,” he said.

The minister said the government had also decided to extend the slot booking deadline from August 10 to August 20 to enable more farmers to register and sell their produce.

Addressing complaints over the newly introduced e-token system, Kansana said the government had decided to suspend it until necessary improvements were made.

“Farmers were facing difficulties due to the new e-token arrangement. Based on the recommendations of the committee constituted to examine the issue, the e-token system has been suspended with immediate effect until the required corrections are carried out,” he said.

He added that alternative arrangements would be put in place to ensure procurement continues without disruption and farmers do not face inconvenience.