Farmers in Madhya Pradesh blocked the Damoh-Sagar highway protesting over the absence of bags for the purchase of urad dal, bringing traffic on the highway to a standstill. The farmers were also upset with the surveyor. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh are upset with the surveyors accusing them of trying to force their way.
As per reports, for the purchase of urad dal, surveyors were hired. For sale of urad dal, a token system was put in place, but in a lot of places, it led to chaos. Eventually, police were called to control the situation. Earlier this week, too, farmers had blocked roads protesting unavailability of bags for the purchase of urad.
On Monday, the purchase of urad dal was staled for over five hours and roads were blocked over half an hour. Farmers had alleged that while there are no bags available for the purchase of urad dal, traders were buying urad dal stealthily. The last date for the purchase of urad dal was 17th January, but the produce was still not weighed. This infuriated the farmers.
Farmers also allege that while the farmers have been waiting to sell their produce, some traders were purchasing urad dal through unfair means.
It has been a month since Kamal Nath-led Congress government was formed in Madhya Pradesh, making huge promises to the farmers. However, in last one month, the problems of farmers only seem to be increasing. As many as three farmers have committed suicide in the state due to the debt burden. In December, farmers were lathicharged as well as severe mismanagement of urea rocked the state.
There are also allegations of a scam brewing in the state as it was recently reported that Rs 120 crore non-existent farm loans were ‘waived off’ in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress after assuming power in Madhya Pradesh had cleverly altered the conditions to waive-off farms loans in contrast to their earlier stand.