Bhopal, April 9 (NationPress) The procurement of wheat at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is set to commence today in certain regions of Madhya Pradesh, while the Opposition Congress plans to hold a statewide demonstration in response to what they claim is a delay in the procurement process this year.

Procurement activities will kick off in the Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Narmadapuram divisions, whereas the remaining areas, including Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, and Shahdol, are expected to start on April 15.

The Central government has established the procurement price at Rs 2,585 per quintal for this season, with the state government adding a bonus of Rs 40 per quintal. Consequently, farmers will receive a total of Rs 2,625 per quintal for their wheat harvest.

Officials at the procurement centers will extend a warm welcome to farmers, and the entire operation will be closely monitored from a control room set up at the Chief Minister's Office.

“We are dedicated to honoring the hard work of farmers by ensuring better prices in the Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Narmadapuram divisions. The wheat procurement at MSP begins today,” stated Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, the Chief Minister remarked that procurement centers across the state have been enhanced with improved facilities to guarantee a smooth experience for farmers selling their produce.

To streamline the process, help desks will be established at the procurement centers, and control rooms have been set up at the district level.

District administrations have been directed to inform farmers about procurement procedures and various welfare schemes through pamphlets and hoardings at the centers.

Essential amenities like drinking water and shaded waiting areas are being arranged at procurement centers to alleviate the burden on farmers during peak procurement days.

However, the launch of this initiative has sparked controversy. The Congress party and its Kisan wing have declared a statewide protest, accusing the government of delaying the start of procurement and causing significant inconvenience to farmers.

Congress leaders and activists have organized plans to gherao Collector offices statewide.

Jitu Patwari, the head of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, along with Umang Singhar, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, will participate in the protest in Chhatarpur district.

The dual developments of the procurement rollout and political protests set the stage for a closely monitored wheat season in this agrarian state.