Overview
- The state opened procurement in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain and Narmadapuram on Thursday, recording 1,616 quintals bought at 45 centres with payments at Rs 2,625 per quintal.
- Farmer participation is high, with 19.04 lakh registered statewide and slot booking under way, including Indore district starting Friday across 90 centres after 1,142 farmers booked slots.
- The next phase begins April 15 in divisions including Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol as the state pursues a 78 lakh tonne target for the season.
- Officials cite preparations that include stocks of jute and PP bags, help desks at centres, district control rooms and oversight from the Chief Minister’s Office.
- Congress leaders led protests in districts like Sehore and Sagar, alleging delays, shortages of bags and long waits that they say are pushing farmers toward distress sales.