Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday announced a major expansion in the state’s wheat procurement programme, allowing all eligible farmers to sell their produce amid record output this season. Addressing farmers in the state, the Chief Minister said the government had increased the wheat procurement target from 78 lakh metric tonnes to 100 lakh metric tonnes to ensure wider market access.

The announcement marks a significant shift in Madhya Pradesh wheat procurement policy, with the state seeking to absorb higher arrivals and reduce distress sales in the open market.

Six-Day Purchase Plan

Under the revised arrangement, wheat procurement will now take place six days a week across the state. Procurement centres, which earlier remained shut on Saturdays, will now operate on that day as well.

Officials said the move is aimed at easing pressure on procurement centres and reducing waiting time for farmers during the peak arrival period. According to officials, the extended schedule is expected to improve daily lifting and speed up the purchase process.

Slot Booking Extended

In another key relief measure, the state government extended the deadline for wheat procurement slot booking from April 30 to May 9. The booking window has also been opened for all farmers across Madhya Pradesh, removing restrictions that had limited access in some cases.

The Chief Minister said the extension would help ensure that no farmer is left out of the procurement cycle. As per reports, the decision was taken after feedback from farmers and local officials over delays in registration and scheduling.

Farmers at Centre

Calling farmers the foundation of the state’s development, Yadav said the government had dedicated this year as “Kisan Kalyan Varsh” and would prioritise farm-sector reforms. He said the revised wheat procurement policy was designed to support small, medium and large farmers alike.

At present, wheat sales in government procurement are linked to land records and fixed productivity norms. This means farmers can sell only the quantity estimated on the basis of acreage and notified yield. The latest changes are expected to widen access, particularly for those reporting higher production this year.

Broader Farm Measures

The Chief Minister also announced a series of agriculture-focused measures beyond Madhya Pradesh wheat procurement. He said farmers would receive up to four times compensation under land acquisition provisions and added that the state was pushing irrigation expansion, crop diversification and modern farm technologies.

On pulses, he said urad would be procured at minimum support price and farmers would receive a bonus of Rs 600 per quintal. He also said agricultural pump connections were being provided for Rs 5 and solar pumps under the Krishak Mitra Yojana were being offered with 90 per cent subsidy.

According to officials, the state has also stocked 5.90 lakh metric tonnes of urea this year, higher than last year, to ensure adequate fertiliser supply during the farm season.

Congress Hits Back

The Opposition Congress criticised the Chief Minister’s address, calling it a bundle of announcements without adequate execution on the ground. State Congress chief Jitu Patwari questioned the pace of procurement, slot booking delays and electricity supply to farmers.

He alleged that wheat procurement remained slow and claimed many farmers were still being forced to sell in the open market at lower rates. Patwari also raised concerns over transparency in farm schemes and sought clarity on support for soybean, paddy and moong growers.

What Lies Ahead

The state government will now face the challenge of implementing the expanded Madhya Pradesh wheat procurement plan without logistical disruptions. With arrivals expected to remain high in the coming weeks, procurement efficiency, timely payments and centre-level coordination will remain under close watch.