A violent clash broke out between police and farmers in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district as thousands of cultivators intensified their protest demanding 100 per cent procurement of moong crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and resolution of other agricultural issues.
The protesting farmers, who had gathered in large numbers, attempted to push through police barricades during the agitation. Some protesters climbed onto a bus and damaged barricades, leading to a confrontation with security personnel. The incident occurred amid a broader farmers’ movement that has disrupted traffic on the busy Narmadapuram highway.
The agitation comes at a time when Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced the formation of a ministerial committee to hold discussions with farmers and address their concerns. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that a solution would be reached through dialogue.
“Farmers’ Welfare Year is being celebrated throughout Madhya Pradesh. A committee has been formed to communicate with them. Yesterday, we sent our Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana to hold talks with them. Even today, Kansana and ministers Krishna Gaur, Vishwas Sarang and Rakesh Singh along with officials will hold a dialogue with the farmers,” Yadav said.
The Chief Minister said the government has always remained committed to farmers’ welfare and urged both sides to ensure that the general public does not suffer due to the agitation.
“The government always stood with the farmers with positive suggestions. But both sides should also ensure that people should not suffer. Therefore, we will find out the solution to the problem through dialogue,” he said.
The farmers had started their protest after arriving in large numbers in Bhopal on Tuesday. The demonstration continued overnight, with farmers raising slogans against the government and demanding immediate action on their issues. The protesters had earlier reached Budhni in Sehore district late Monday evening before moving towards the state capital.
The first round of talks between the state government and farmer representatives was held on Tuesday night but remained inconclusive. Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana said the government was sensitive to the farmers’ concerns and assured that necessary steps would be taken to resolve their issues.
The farmers’ main demands include ensuring 100 per cent procurement of moong at MSP, resolving difficulties related to the e-token system used for procurement registration, and ensuring timely and adequate availability of fertilisers.
Despite assurances from the government, several farmers continued their sit-in protest through the night, insisting on a concrete resolution rather than assurances. The demonstration caused major traffic disruptions on Narmadapuram Road, a key route connecting the region, leading police to advise commuters to use alternative routes.
The Madhya Pradesh government has maintained that discussions with farmer organisations, including the Bharatiya Kisan Sangathan and other groups, will continue to find a mutually acceptable solution. Officials said further rounds of talks would be held to address the farmers’ grievances and restore normalcy.
The latest confrontation highlights growing concerns among farmers regarding procurement policies, market access, and input availability. With the kharif season progressing, the state government faces pressure to resolve the issue quickly and prevent further escalation of the protests.
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