Thousands of farmers from Madhya Pradesh marched into the outskirts of Bhopal this week in one of the state’s biggest agricultural protests in recent years, forcing the government into late-night negotiations after days of mounting pressure.
Under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and nearly 19 allied farmer organisations, cultivators from Narmadapuram, Sehore, Harda, Raisen and neighbouring districts launched the “Kisan Kranti Padyatra,” walking nearly 70 to 80 kilometres with the Tricolour in hand, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and raising cries of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”Carrying bedding, grain sacks, cooking utensils and provisions for a week, the march resembled a determined rural caravan rather than a one-day demonstration.
As they approached Bhopal, protesters dismantled and crossed multiple police barricades before advancing to within striking distance of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s residence. Police halted the march, triggering a massive highway sit-in that paralysed traffic, forced school closures in nearby areas and placed the state capital under heavy security.
At the heart of the agitation was a demand for 100% procurement of the bumper summer moong crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Farmers argued that government procurement covered only a fraction of production, compelling many to sell their harvest in private markets at prices thousands of rupees below MSP. They also demanded reforms to the controversial e-token system and easier access to affordable fertilisers.
After prolonged negotiations, the Madhya Pradesh government announced a major climbdown. Procurement eligibility was expanded from 25% to 60% for eligible farmers, procurement and registration deadlines were extended, and the fertiliser e-token system was suspended pending review.
Though several farmer leaders maintained that only 100% procurement would fully address their grievances, participating organisations jointly agreed to suspend the agitation and begin returning home, bringing an uneasy end to a confrontation that demonstrated, once again, that when India’s farmers march together, governments are often left with little choice but to listen.
JANPATH NEWS NETWORK (JNN)
Independent. Fearless. On the People’s Path.
