Bhopal, The acquisition of moong (green gram) has ignited a political firestorm in Madhya Pradesh, as farmers grapple with escalating woes. Today, State Congress President Jitu Patwari unleashed a fierce assault on the state government and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, threatening a hunger strike outside Chouhan’s residence if farmers’ grievances are not addressed.
“The situation of moong procurement in the state is dire,” declared Patwari, highlighting the daily hurdles faced by farmers in Narmadapuram, a key moong-producing district. He lamented the government’s unfulfilled promises regarding wheat prices, noting farmers’ reluctance to bring garlic, onions, and potatoes to market due to inadequate returns.
Patwari didn’t stop there, questioning the government’s silence on the promised ?3100 per quintal for paddy, and the drastic fall in soybean prices from a promised ?6000 to below ?4000.
Taking direct aim at Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Patwari stated, “As Agriculture Minister, he fails to comprehend the farmers’ plight. We sought an appointment multiple times, but received no response.” He issued a stark warning: “If swift action isn’t taken, I will sit on an indefinite hunger strike outside his house.”
The Congress’s strong stance underscores the mounting pressure on the government to resolve the deepening agricultural crisis and address the concerns of the state’s beleaguered farmers.
