Farmers Block Highway For Nearly Two Hours Over Low Cotton Prices In MP’s Bhikangaon

Bhikangaon, a town in Madhya Pradesh, saw a prolonged protest on Wednesday as farmers blocked the National Highway for nearly two hours due to dissatisfaction with cotton prices. The demonstration began around noon after tensions arose between farmers and traders over the cotton rates. Farmers complained that even high-quality produce was not receiving the expected price, leading to the closure of the Krishi Upaj Mandi gates for about half an hour.

Unsatisfied with the response from responsible officials, farmers took matters into their own hands and moved towards the National Highway, causing significant traffic disruption. Mr. Pyarelal Moraniya and Mr. Purvesh Bordia, two prominent farmers, accused Bhikangaon of offering lower cotton prices compared to Khargone. They pointed out that similar-quality cotton was sold for Rs 7,200 per quintal in Khargone, while in Bhikangaon, it fetched between Rs 6,500 and Rs 6,600 per quintal.

Mr. Moraniya and Mr. Bordia also claimed that top-quality cotton fetched more than Rs 9,000 in Khargone, compared to a maximum of Rs 8,000 in Bhikangaon.

Bharat Krishak Samaj block president, Shantilal Mukati, blamed the delay in market officials' intervention for the situation's escalation. The Deputy Tehsildar, Manoj Chauhan, arrived at the scene around 1:30 pm to mediate between the farmers and traders. After discussions, an agreement was reached at around 2:30 pm, allowing the farmers to lift the blockade and resume cotton auctions. Deputy Tehsildar Chauhan reported that the matter was resolved through these negotiations.