The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a ministerial panel to hold talks with protesting farmers as demonstrations over the procurement of moong at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) continue to intensify in the state. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that the government was committed to resolving the dispute through dialogue while ensuring that public life remains unaffected. The move comes amid growing pressure from farmer organisations demanding immediate action on several agricultural issues.

Addressing reporters, Chief Minister Yadav said the committee comprises Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana, Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Sarang, Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Gaur, along with senior government officials. The panel has been tasked with engaging representatives of farmer organisations to understand their concerns and explore possible solutions. Yadav noted that Agriculture Minister Kansana had already initiated preliminary discussions with farmers a day earlier and expressed hope that continued dialogue would help break the deadlock.

The government's outreach follows the arrival of more than 2,000 farmers in Bhopal after the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh's (BKS) 'Kisan Kranti Padayatra' from Barkheda in Narmadapuram district. The protesters are demanding immediate procurement of moong at the MSP, a legal guarantee for MSP, adequate availability of fertilisers, and the implementation of promises made to farmers. On Tuesday, the farmers attempted to march towards the Chief Minister's residence but were stopped by police, after which talks were held with Agriculture Minister Kansana. However, the discussions ended without a breakthrough.

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The agitation has also drawn strong political reactions from the opposition. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari said the participation of thousands of farmers in the protest reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the BJP government. He accused the state administration of remaining silent despite what he described as genuine demands from the farming community and called for immediate negotiations followed by concrete decisions. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath also criticised the government, stating that selling crops at the MSP is the right of every farmer and alleging that the administration was reluctant to engage meaningfully with the protesters.

The protest over moong procurement has emerged as a significant political issue in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the broader debate over agricultural support mechanisms and farmers' welfare. While opposition parties continue to accuse the BJP government of failing to safeguard farmers' interests, the state government has maintained that it remains committed to addressing the concerns through constructive dialogue. The outcome of the discussions between the ministerial panel and farmer representatives is expected to play a crucial role in determining the next course of the agitation.

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