Why is Congress Challenging the Delay in Moong Procurement?

Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh Congress leader, Jitu Patwari, raises alarm over the delays in Moong crop procurement, jeopardizing farmers' earnings. With MSP set but not realized, farmers face tough choices. Immediate action is needed to prevent protests and ensure their livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
- Delay in procurement affects farmers' earnings.
- Farmers are selling below Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Immediate action is needed to prevent protests.
- Last year's procurement started on May 20.
- State government has yet to act on the proposal.
Bhopal, June 4 (NationPress) The president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress, Jitu Patwari, raised concerns on Wednesday regarding the postponement in submitting the proposal for the procurement of the Moong crop to the central government.
Patwari asserted that this delay has compelled farmers to offload their produce at significantly reduced prices, depriving them of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the Centre.
The Congress leader addressed a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, urging the state administration to promptly forward the proposal to the Centre and initiate procurement activities across all districts.
According to Patwari, the MSP for the Moong crop has been established at ₹8000 per quintal for the 2025-2026 period. Nonetheless, due to the lack of procurement operations, farmers are currently selling their produce at ₹6000 to ₹7000 per quintal in the open market.
He highlighted that many farmers are struggling to recoup even their production expenses, with some resorting to ceasing irrigation of their fields.
The Congress leader noted that he was informed the state Agriculture Department has yet to receive any directives from the Centre.
“Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the state government has not yet sent a proposal to the Centre,” Patwari stated.
He remarked that last year's procurement process for the Moong crop commenced on May 20, warning that any further delays might incite farmers to organize protests soon.
“I urge you (the Chief Minister) to regard this matter with urgency and take swift action; otherwise, farmers may resort to large-scale protests again,” Patwari warned.