Madhya Pradesh farmers protest: Govt raises moong procurement limit to 60%, suspends e-token system

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday announced major relief measures for moong growers following protests by farmers, increasing the procurement limit to 60 per cent of eligible produce, extending the slot booking deadline by 10 days and suspending the e-token system with immediate effect.

The decisions were announced after a meeting between a group of ministers and representatives of protesting farmers in Bhopal. Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana said the government had accepted several demands raised by growers regarding the moong procurement process.

What changes did MP government announce for moong farmers?

The Madhya Pradesh government approved three key changes:

• Procurement limit increased to 60 per cent
  The state government has raised the procurement limit for eligible moong produce to 60 per cent. According to Kansana, every eligible farmer will now be able to sell produce equivalent to 60 per cent of the approved quantity, calculated at three quintals per acre.
  The minister said the decision goes beyond the 25 per cent procurement limit provided under the Government of India scheme.
• Slot booking deadline extended
  The government has extended the deadline for slot booking from August 10 to August 20.
  The extension is aimed at allowing more farmers additional time to register and complete the process for selling their produce through the procurement system.
• E-token system suspended
  The government has suspended the newly introduced e-token system after farmers raised concerns over difficulties faced during procurement.
  Kansana said the system would remain suspended until necessary corrections and improvements are made based on recommendations of the committee examining the issue.

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While announcing the decisions, Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana said alternative arrangements would be introduced to ensure that procurement continues smoothly.

The government said the changes were aimed at addressing farmers’ concerns and reducing difficulties faced during the procurement process.

With IANS inputs