By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Former Union Minister and ex-Madhya Pradesh Congress President Arun Yadav launched a sharp attack on the Central and State Governments, accusing them of betraying farmers through flawed policies, financial mismanagement in the Mandi Board, and an alleged plan to privatise the state’s agricultural system.
Farmers denied fair prices
Yadav said despite a prolonged nationwide movement demanding Minimum Support Price (MSP), the government failed to deliver. Soybean, which should fetch ₹5,328 per quintal, is being sold at just ₹3,500. Similarly, maize and cotton farmers are not receiving fair returns. “Even though the Union Agriculture Minister hails from Madhya Pradesh, farmers here are deprived of MSP benefits,” he said.
‘Bhavantar’ scheme and mandi board crisis
Calling the Bhavantar Yojana a total failure, Yadav alleged that the government is forcing the Mandi Board — an autonomous body — to take a ₹1,500 crore loan despite already being in financial distress. He said this move, opposed even by the Agriculture Minister, violates the Mandi Act of 1972 and could push the institution towards closure.
Privatisation plot and farmer neglect
Yadav accused the BJP government of planning to hand over agricultural systems to private players, claiming its policies favour contractors and traders over farmers. He demanded that the Bhavantar scheme be scrapped, MSP implemented effectively, and fair compensation provided to banana and cotton growers.
He reaffirmed the Congress Party’s solidarity with farmers, vowing to intensify the struggle “from the fields to the streets” until justice is achieved.
