The monsoon has remained subdued in Rewa district this season, leaving the region with a sharp rainfall deficit and raising concerns among farmers over the health of standing kharif crops.

According to official rainfall data, the district has received an average of 168.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 5, significantly lower than the 583.4 mm recorded during the corresponding period last year. The shortfall of 415 mm has reduced soil moisture levels and increased uncertainty for the ongoing agricultural season.

Rainfall Well Below Last Year's Levels

More than two months into the southwest monsoon season, rainfall in Rewa continues to remain far below normal expectations.

The prolonged dry spell has affected agricultural operations across several parts of the district, with farmers hoping for sustained rainfall in the coming days to protect kharif crops, particularly paddy, which requires consistent moisture during its growth stage.

Gurh Receives Highest Rainfall

On August 5, the district recorded an average rainfall of 10 mm.

Among all tehsils, Gurh received the highest rainfall at 35 mm, while intermittent showers were reported from several other areas. However, officials said the rainfall was insufficient to significantly improve moisture conditions in agricultural fields.

Wide Variation Across Tehsils

Rainfall distribution across Rewa district has remained uneven, with considerable variation among different tehsils.

The cumulative rainfall recorded so far includes:

• Gurh: 356 mm

• Raipur Karchuliyan: 180.7 mm

• Huzur: 177.3 mm

• Semaria: 172 mm

• Sirmour: 160.4 mm

• Jawa: 155 mm

• Mangawan: 92 mm

• Teonthar: 54 mm

The figures indicate that while a few pockets have received moderate rainfall, several regions continue to experience a severe rainfall deficit.

Farmers Await Active Monsoon

The lack of adequate rainfall has reduced moisture in farmlands, making irrigation and crop management increasingly difficult for farmers.

Agriculture experts say continuous rainfall over the next few days will be crucial to minimise damage to kharif crops and restore favourable field conditions. Improved rainfall would also help replenish reservoirs, ponds and other water sources across the district.

With cloud cover persisting over parts of the region, farmers remain hopeful that the monsoon will regain strength and provide much-needed relief during the remainder of the season.

Madhya Pradesh is facing a significant monsoon shortfall this season, with the state recording an overall rainfall deficit of nearly 18 per cent, raising concerns over drought-like conditions and the impact on agriculture. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 413.3 mm (16.3 inches) of rainfall so far against the normal 507.2 mm (20 inches) expected by this stage of the season.

Rainfall has remained below normal in 49 districts, while only six districts have reported above-average precipitation. However, the IMD has forecast widespread rainfall, including heavy showers in several districts over the next three days, offering hope for improvement.

Major Cities Report Rainfall Deficit

Among Madhya Pradesh's major urban centres, Gwalior is the only city to have received above-normal rainfall, recording a surplus of seven per cent.

Other major cities continue to report deficits:

• Bhopal: 7% below normal

• Indore: 2% below normal

• Ujjain: 14% below normal

• Jabalpur: 29% below normal

Officials said all districts under the Bhopal, Jabalpur, Sagar, Shahdol, Rewa and Narmadapuram divisions are currently experiencing below-average rainfall.

Heavy Rain Expected Across Northern MP

The IMD has predicted that an active weather system, supported by a fresh western disturbance, is likely to trigger heavy rainfall across northern Madhya Pradesh over the next three days.

Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna and Damoh on Thursday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in several other districts, including Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Indore, Dhar, Ujjain, Dewas, Ratlam, Khandwa, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Guna, Ashoknagar, Jabalpur, Katni, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Sagar and adjoining regions.

Fresh Weather System Active

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said a fresh western disturbance has become active, which is expected to strengthen monsoon activity across the state.

If the system remains active for the next few days, rainfall figures could improve significantly and provide relief to drought-hit regions.

Rainfall Still Below Seasonal Requirement

The state has received less than half of its total seasonal rainfall target so far.

The IMD said Madhya Pradesh normally records around 37.3 inches of rainfall during the southwest monsoon season. Major districts such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally receive between 38 and 39 inches of seasonal rainfall.

Officials noted that June ended with a 14 per cent rainfall deficit. Although early July witnessed a brief improvement, two extended monsoon breaks later in the month reduced overall precipitation, resulting in a 13 per cent deficit during July as well.

Agriculture Sector Awaits Relief

The prolonged rainfall shortage has begun affecting soil moisture levels across several districts, raising concerns among farmers cultivating kharif crops.

Agriculture experts said sustained and widespread rainfall over the coming days will be crucial to restore soil moisture, improve reservoir levels and support standing crops.

With favourable weather systems now developing over central India, officials remain hopeful that the rainfall deficit will narrow during the first half of August.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon activity across Chhattisgarh from August 4, with rainfall expected to intensify over the next three days. The weather department has predicted light to moderate rain in most parts of the state, while warning that some districts could experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning.

The renewed monsoon activity comes after a relatively subdued spell of rain in recent days. According to the IMD, Chhattisgarh has received 566.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 2, against the normal average of 594.6 mm, leaving the state with a 5% rainfall deficit, which continues to remain within the 'normal' category.

Heavy Rain Likely in Isolated Areas

Meteorologists said rainfall activity is expected to increase across the state beginning Tuesday as monsoon conditions become favourable once again.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall in most districts over the next 48 to 72 hours, with isolated locations likely to witness heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during periods of intense weather, particularly in lightning-prone areas.

Raipur to Witness Cloudy Weather

For the state capital, the weather department has predicted cloudy skies with intermittent rain and thunderstorms throughout Tuesday.

The maximum temperature in Raipur is expected to remain around 33°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle near 26°C.

Several parts of the city received light rainfall on Monday night ahead of the anticipated revival of monsoon activity.

Rainfall Distribution Remains Uneven

Although the overall rainfall deficit in Chhattisgarh stands at only 5%, district-wise data shows considerable variation in precipitation levels.

Narayanpur has recorded the highest rainfall in the state so far with 997.8 mm, about 61% above normal. Other districts reporting significantly above-normal rainfall include Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Mahasamund, Gariaband, Balod, Raipur and Baloda Bazar.

On the other hand, Surguja has recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 53% below normal, followed by Jashpur (-48%), Bemetara (-40%), Kanker (-24%), Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (-24%) and Surajpur (-21%).

Most of the remaining districts continue to fall within the normal rainfall category.

Temperature Update

According to the IMD, Rajnandgaon recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 34.7°C, while Pendra Roadreported the lowest minimum temperature at 23.6°C during the past 24 hours.

The expected increase in rainfall is likely to bring temperatures down in several regions over the coming days.

August Crucial for Kharif Crops

Weather experts say August is a critical month for kharif cultivation, particularly paddy, which is the state's principal crop.

With rainfall nearly returning to normal levels by the end of July, continued precipitation during August is expected to improve soil moisture and benefit agricultural activities across the state.

While the IMD has not issued a separate monthly forecast exclusively for Chhattisgarh, its outlook for central India indicates the possibility of normal to above-normal rainfall in several parts of the region during August.

IMD Climate Outlook

The weather department has indicated that:

• Rainfall across the country during August and the August-September period may remain below the long-term average.

• Parts of central India are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

• El Niño conditions are showing signs of strengthening.

• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) currently remains neutral but could turn positive during September, which may influence rainfall patterns later in the monsoon season.

Madhya Pradesh has received only 15.4 inches of rainfall so far this monsoon season, falling well short of the seasonal average as rainfall activity remains subdued across large parts of the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 42 districts have recorded below-normal rainfall, while no heavy rainfall alert has been issued for the next two days.

IMD data shows that the state has received around 401.9 mm (15.8 inches) of rainfall against the expected 470.5 mm (18.5 inches) by this stage of the season, leaving Madhya Pradesh with an overall 15% rainfall deficit. Eastern Madhya Pradesh has recorded a 19% shortfall, while western districts remain 11% below normal.

42 Districts Record Rainfall Deficit

The rainfall deficit has affected most parts of the state, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Vidisha, Morena, Guna, Dhar, Ratlam, Ujjain, Raisen, Shivpuri, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Datia, Seoni, Chhindwara, Panna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mandla, Katni, Narsinghpur, Balaghat and several other districts.

Meanwhile, 13 districts have received above-normal rainfall, including Sehore, Indore, Dewas, Rajgarh, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Burhanpur, Bhind, Umaria, Shahdol, Mauganj and Tikamgarh.

No Heavy Rain Expected for Next Two Days

Meteorologists said the monsoon trough remains active, while two weather systems are influencing conditions over the region. However, neither system is strong enough to trigger widespread heavy rainfall.

As a result, light to moderate showers are expected to continue across different parts of Madhya Pradesh over the next two days, but no heavy rainfall warning has been issued during this period.

The IMD, however, indicated that a fresh western disturbance is likely to become active from August 4, which could strengthen weather systems and bring heavy rainfall to eastern and northern Madhya Pradesh from August 5 onwards.

Sehore Records Highest Rainfall

On Sunday, Sehore reported the most significant rainfall activity in the state, while most other districts witnessed only light showers. The limited rainfall over the past two days has prevented any major improvement in the state's overall monsoon figures.

Current Weather Favourable for Soybean Crop

Agricultural experts believe the current weather pattern is beneficial for soybean cultivation in central Madhya Pradesh.

Senior agricultural scientist S.S. Dhakad from Shajapur said intermittent rainfall across the Indore and Ujjain divisionsis helping soybean crops at their current growth stage. However, crops will require higher moisture levels during grain formation in the coming weeks.

He noted that heavy rainfall in Khandwa, Khargone and Barwani had caused waterlogging in some agricultural fields, resulting in crop damage. At the same time, several paddy-growing regions are still awaiting adequate rainfall to support cultivation.

Rainfall Still Below Seasonal Requirement

Officials noted that June had ended with a 14% rainfall deficit, while July also concluded with rainfall below normal despite brief periods of intense monsoon activity. Although weather systems became active toward the end of July, overall rainfall remained insufficient to eliminate the seasonal shortfall.

With August traditionally being one of Madhya Pradesh's wettest months, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to improve during the first week of the month if the incoming western disturbance strengthens as forecast.

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Despite a strong spell of rain during the final week of July, Madhya Pradesh continues to face a significant rainfall deficit this monsoon season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 15.7 inches of rainfall so far, which is 13% below the seasonal average of 18.1 inches.

The rainfall shortfall has prevented major reservoirs from filling up, raising concerns over water availability in the coming months. Several key dams, including Kolar, Bansagar, Kundalia, Barna, Omkareshwar, Indira Sagar, Gandhi Sagar and Tighra, remain less than half full. In contrast, many reservoirs had reached full capacity by the end of July last year.

Currently, only the Satpura Dam in Betul district has opened seven gates, while most other reservoirs continue to hold significantly lower water levels.

43 Districts Receive Below-Normal Rainfall

The IMD data shows that 43 districts have recorded below-normal rainfall this season, including Jabalpur, Gwalior, Sagar, Satna, Vidisha, Ujjain, Ratlam, Raisen, Dhar, Morena, Shivpuri, Betul, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla and Singrauli.

Five districts—Rewa, Morena, Sheopur, Datia and Alirajpur—have received less than 10 inches of rainfall, making them the worst affected.

Meanwhile, 12 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Sehore and Dewas, have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Reservoir Levels Raise Water Supply Concerns

With reservoirs yet to receive adequate inflows, concerns are growing over future drinking water availability. Several towns and cities are already witnessing irregular water supply, and officials fear the situation could worsen if rainfall does not improve significantly during August.

Agriculture Shows Mixed Picture

Senior agricultural scientist Dr. S.S. Dhakad from Shajapur said the current weather is largely favourable for soybean cultivation across the Indore and Ujjain divisions.

He noted that intermittent rainfall has helped crop growth so far, but soybean will require additional moisture during the grain formation stage. However, excessive rainfall in parts of Khandwa, Khargone and Barwani has caused waterlogging, damaging crops in some areas. Paddy cultivation has also not received sufficient rainfall in several districts.

Monsoon Arrived Late This Year

The southwest monsoon reached Madhya Pradesh on June 24, around nine days later than usual. While rainfall improved during July, two prolonged weak phases prevented the state from recovering the deficit created in June.

Rainfall intensified during the third and fourth weeks of July, but it was insufficient to bring the seasonal average back to normal levels.

Heavy Rain Likely to Return

Weather experts expect monsoon activity to strengthen again during the first week of August.

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said another spell of widespread rainfall is likely across the state, with heavier showers expected from August 4 onwards, offering some relief to the rainfall deficit.

Highest and Lowest Rainfall

Among districts, Balaghat has recorded the highest rainfall at nearly 24 inches, although this is still below its seasonal target. Burhanpur has achieved around 77% of its normal monsoon rainfall, the highest proportion in the state.

At the other end, Morena has received only 6.3 inches of rainfall so far, making it the driest district this season.

Rainfall Outlook for Major Cities

• Bhopal: About 19 inches of rainfall recorded; heavier showers expected from August 4.

• Indore: Around 17.5 inches of rainfall; western districts continue to perform better than average.

• Jabalpur: Received 16.3 inches of rainfall, approximately 44% of the seasonal target.

• Ujjain: Around 15.7 inches of rainfall, with nearby Dewas emerging among the wettest districts.

• Gwalior: Rainfall has improved in recent weeks, and another active spell is forecast during the coming week.

 The Samajwadi Party (SP) Madhya Pradesh unit has sharply criticised the state government's decision to procure only 60 per cent of farmers' moong crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), alleging that the policy is anti-farmer. The party has also put forward an unusual proposal, demanding that legislators, Members of Parliament and ministers should receive only 60 per cent of their salaries if the government is unwilling to purchase farmers' entire produce.

Addressing the issue, SP state president Dr Manoj Yadav questioned what he termed a "double standard" in the government's approach towards farmers and elected representatives.

'Leaders Should Also Receive Only 60% Salary'

Dr Yadav said farmers cultivate their crops with full effort over several months, but the government has decided to procure only a part of the produce at MSP while forcing them to sell the remaining quantity in the open market at lower prices.

"If the government is not prepared to purchase 100 per cent of the farmers' moong crop, then legislators, MPs and ministers should also receive only 60 per cent of their salaries," he said, adding that public representatives should share the burden if farmers are denied the full benefit of government procurement.

He argued that leaders cannot justify drawing full salaries funded by taxpayers while farmers are unable to sell their complete produce at the assured support price.

Attack on Union Agriculture Minister

The Samajwadi Party also targeted Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, stating that both the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government are led by the BJP, yet farmers are still compelled to protest for their demands.

The party referred to the recent farmers' march from Narmadapuram to Bhopal, claiming that despite a "double-engine government", cultivators continue to struggle for assured procurement of their produce.

SP alleged that the government's decision to increase procurement from 25 per cent to 60 per cent came only after sustained protests by farmers and maintained that the revised limit remains inadequate.

The party demanded procurement of 100 per cent moong at an MSP of ₹10,000 per quintal, arguing that anything less would fail to provide meaningful relief to growers.

Food Security and Fertiliser Issues Raised

Apart from the procurement issue, the Samajwadi Party highlighted what it described as serious shortcomings in the state's fertiliser distribution system.

The party alleged that the existing e-token mechanism has forced farmers to travel long distances to obtain fertilisers while government outlets remain understocked. It further claimed that fertilisers are being sold at inflated prices in the open market, resulting in hardship for cultivators.

Demand for Inquiry Into Fortified Rice Distribution

The party also sought a high-level judicial inquiry into allegations concerning the diversion of fortified rice reportedly meant for malnourished women and children.

According to SP, rice valued at approximately ₹1,160 crore, intended for welfare programmes in several districts including Balaghat, was allegedly diverted for ethanol production. The party demanded an independent investigation into the matter.

Ken-Betwa Project Rehabilitation

The Samajwadi Party further raised concerns over the rehabilitation of families affected by the Ken-Betwa river linking project.

It urged the government to provide ₹25 lakh compensation along with three acres of land to each displaced family, particularly those belonging to tribal communities in Chhatarpur and Panna districts.

Key Demands

The Samajwadi Party has demanded:

• Procurement of 100 per cent moong at ₹10,000 per quintal MSP.

• Reduction of legislators', MPs' and ministers' salaries to 60 per cent if complete procurement is not ensured.

• Immediate action against fertiliser black marketing and transparent distribution.

• A judicial inquiry into the alleged fortified rice diversion.

• Enhanced compensation and land allocation for families displaced by the Ken-Betwa project.

The state government has not yet issued an official response to the party's latest demands.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said the state government is committed to safeguarding farmers' interests and has constituted a ministerial committee to engage in dialogue with farmer organisations over issues related to the agriculture sector.

Addressing the media at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium in Bhopal, the Chief Minister said the government is observing Krishak Kalyan Varsh (Farmers' Welfare Year) and remains open to constructive suggestions from farmers. He expressed confidence that discussions with farmer groups would help resolve the pending issues through dialogue.

Four-Member Ministerial Committee Formed

The newly constituted committee will interact with farmers and coordinate with officials to address agriculture-related concerns. The committee comprises:

• Agriculture Minister Edal Singh Kansana

• Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh

• Cooperation Minister Vishvas Sarang

• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Krishna Gaur

According to the Chief Minister, the committee will hold discussions with farmers and work alongside government officials to find practical solutions to their concerns.

Government Committed to Farmers' Welfare

Dr. Yadav said the state government stands firmly with farmers and is making continuous efforts to protect their interests. He noted that Agriculture Minister Edal Singh Kansana had already held discussions with farmers a day earlier, and the newly formed committee would continue the dialogue process.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government believes in resolving issues through consultation and consensus rather than confrontation.

Appeal to Avoid Public Inconvenience

The Chief Minister also stressed that while discussions are underway, all stakeholders should ensure that the public does not face unnecessary inconvenience. He said the government would take every necessary step for the welfare of farmers as well as the general public.

Expressing optimism over the ongoing engagement, Dr. Yadav said he hopes meaningful dialogue with farmer organisations will lead to an early resolution of the issues.

Farmers protesting over moong procurement, the e-token system and other agriculture-related demands continued their agitation in Bhopal for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, with many preparing to march towards the Chief Minister's residence. Authorities have deployed heavy police forces and imposed traffic restrictions across key parts of the city to prevent any law-and-order issues.

Police have barricaded multiple roads leading to the CM House, causing significant traffic congestion on Narmadapuram Road, Hoshangabad Road, AIIMS Square, Bansal Plaza and nearby areas. In view of the disruptions, Bhopal Collector Priyank Mishra ordered the closure of all government and private schools located along the Narmadapuram Road corridor.

Farmers Continue Sit-in, Cook Dal-Baati at Protest Site

Despite the prolonged protest, farmers continued their daily routine at the demonstration venue. Many who spent the night at the site rested wherever space was available, while others prepared traditional dal-baati for lunch.

The protesters also invited political leaders to visit the venue, share a meal with them and engage in discussions over their demands.

Women participants and young supporters joined the protest by preparing placards and banners carrying slogans in support of the agitation.

'Sadbuddhi Yagya' Held Against Government

Farmers organised a 'Sadbuddhi Yagya' (prayer ritual), saying it was meant to invoke wisdom for the government to address their concerns.

Protesters alleged that while inflation continues to rise, farmers are still not receiving fair prices for their produce. Several participants claimed they are facing severe financial distress due to delayed procurement and inadequate crop prices.

Security Tightened Ahead of CM House March

With farmer groups announcing a march towards the Chief Minister's residence later in the day, police have significantly strengthened security arrangements.

Heavy police deployment has been made near Veer Savarkar Setu and other approach roads leading to the CM House. Government buses have also been stationed near barricades to block any attempt by protesters to move ahead.

Additional Police Commissioner Shailendra Singh Chauhan said elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure law and order while restricting protesters from entering high-security zones.

Farmers Allege Removal of Basic Facilities

Protesters accused the administration of attempting to weaken the movement by removing essential facilities from the protest site.

According to the farmers, water tankers, temporary toilets and other basic amenities were withdrawn. They maintained that despite these difficulties, the agitation would continue until their demands are met.

CM Says Ministers' Panel Will Hold Talks

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the state government remains committed to resolving farmers' issues through dialogue.

He announced that a committee of ministers has been constituted to hold discussions with the protesting farmers and assured that another round of talks would take place on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister also appealed to protesters to ensure that public life is not disrupted during the agitation.

Students Join Farmers' Protest

The protest witnessed support from students and members of Gen Z, who joined farmers carrying posters and handwritten placards.

A nine-year-old child participating in the demonstration said he had come to support farmers and urged the government to procure moong crops.

Farmers also raised slogans criticising the state government while expressing appreciation for the police personnel managing the protest site.

The agitation is expected to intensify later in the day if protesters proceed with their proposed march towards the Chief Minister's residence.

Thousands of farmers from across Madhya Pradesh intensified their march towards Bhopal on Tuesday, pressing the state government to accept their long-pending demands, including 100 per cent government procurement of moong and reforms in the fertiliser distribution system. The protest, organised under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), witnessed participants breaking through police barricades as they continued their foot march towards the state capital, where they plan to lay siege to the Chief Minister’s residence.

According to farmer leaders, more than 2,000 protesters representing 19 farmer organisations are taking part in the ‘Kisan Kranti Padyatra’. Hundreds of tractors, trolleys and support vehicles are accompanying the march, while participants have carried food, water and other essentials to sustain what they describe as a prolonged agitation.

Barricades Breached Near Mandideep

The second day of the march began from Barkheda and moved towards Bhopal via Obaidullaganj. Police initially stopped the protesters near the Obaidullaganj toll plaza, where senior administrative officials held discussions with farmer representatives and urged them to wait until the evening.

However, after talks failed to produce a breakthrough, the farmers resumed their march. As they reached Simrai on the Mandideep border, police attempted to stop them using barricades near Raj Heights School and later near Bansal College. The protesters eventually crossed the barricades and continued towards Bhopal.

Authorities have deployed a heavy police force along the route, while security arrangements at the outskirts of Bhopal have been significantly strengthened to prevent any law-and-order issues.

Demands Centre on Procurement and Fertiliser

The protesting farmers are demanding complete government procurement of the moong crop and reforms in the fertiliser distribution mechanism, including the withdrawal of the existing token-based system. They argue that the current procurement process leaves many cultivators without government support, resulting in financial losses.

Farmer leaders have maintained that they will continue the agitation until the state government provides a concrete assurance on their demands.

Farmers Prepare for Long Protest

Protesters have arrived with preparations for an extended sit-in if required. Several tractors and trolleys are carrying food supplies sufficient for nearly a week, while many participants have brought cooked meals, including traditional dal-baati, to sustain themselves during the movement.

Speaking at the protest site, several farmers said they would not return home without a satisfactory resolution, describing the march as a fight for the survival of cultivators.

Leaders Allege Restrictions Across Districts

Farmer organisations have alleged that the administration attempted to weaken the protest by restricting the movement of supporters from several districts, including Vidisha, Raisen, Harda, Narmadapuram and Budhni.

According to the organisers, police erected barricades on village approach roads and closely monitored prominent farmer leaders to prevent them from joining the march. The administration has not officially responded to these allegations.

Police Maintain Vigil

Police and district officials continue to monitor the movement closely while appealing to protesters to maintain peace. Security personnel remain deployed at multiple checkpoints, and authorities have indicated that efforts are underway to ensure public order even as the march progresses towards Bhopal.

With both sides holding firm to their positions, the ongoing farmers’ movement is likely to remain a major political and administrative challenge for the Madhya Pradesh government in the coming days.

 Madhya Pradesh has emerged as one of India's leading states in government foodgrain storage capacity, reinforcing its position beyond agricultural production. According to data presented by the Union Government in Parliament, the state now has a foodgrain storage capacity of 34.94 lakh metric tonnes during 2024-25, placing it among the top five states in the country.

The figures, shared in a written reply by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the Rajya Sabha, indicate that Madhya Pradesh has overtaken several major agricultural and consumer states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Odisha, in terms of storage infrastructure.

Among India's Top Storage States

The latest data shows that India has a total foodgrain storage capacity of 5.55 crore metric tonnes through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), state agencies and other storage facilities.

Out of this, Madhya Pradesh accounts for 34.94 lakh metric tonnes (3,493.80 thousand tonnes), making it one of the country's largest foodgrain storage hubs.

Only Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and West Bengal currently have higher storage capacities than Madhya Pradesh.

State Holds 6.3% of National Capacity

The Centre's data reveals that Madhya Pradesh contributes approximately 6.3 per cent of India's total foodgrain storage capacity.

The country's overall storage infrastructure stands at 55,493.76 thousand metric tonnes, with Madhya Pradesh alone accounting for 3,493.80 thousand metric tonnes.

The expanded storage network is expected to strengthen procurement operations, reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security management in one of India's largest wheat-producing states.

Boost for Procurement and Distribution

Madhya Pradesh has consistently recorded high wheat procurement in recent years and is recognised as one of the country's major foodgrain-producing states.

Improved storage infrastructure enables the state to preserve larger quantities of wheat and other grains, ensuring smoother procurement during harvest seasons and efficient distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The enhanced capacity is also expected to reduce dependence on temporary storage facilities and minimise spoilage during transportation and warehousing.

Parliamentary Data Highlights Infrastructure Growth

The figures were disclosed by the Union Government in response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha regarding state-wise foodgrain storage capacity for 2024-25.

Officials said the storage capacity includes facilities operated by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), state government agencies and other approved storage arrangements.

The latest ranking reflects continued investment in warehousing infrastructure aimed at supporting India's expanding food security network and strengthening supply chain resilience.

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, commenced on Wednesday at Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur. The meeting is expected to focus on several important policy proposals and administrative matters, with multiple decisions likely to receive the Cabinet's approval.

According to official sources, ministers are reviewing proposals submitted by various departments. While the state government has not released the official agenda in advance, discussions are expected to cover issues related to agriculture, monsoon preparedness, governance, and public welfare.

Focus on Farmers and Kharif Season

With the southwest monsoon remaining active across Chhattisgarh and the Kharif cropping season underway, agriculture is expected to be one of the meeting's major focus areas.

The Cabinet may discuss measures aimed at supporting farmers, reviewing crop conditions, ensuring the availability of agricultural inputs, and strengthening relief mechanisms in districts affected by heavy rainfall or other weather-related challenges.

Officials are also expected to assess the state's preparedness to address issues arising from continuous rainfall, including waterlogging, crop protection, and disaster management.

Monsoon Preparedness on Agenda

The ongoing monsoon has increased the need for coordinated planning across departments. The Cabinet is likely to review the preparedness of agencies responsible for flood control, road connectivity, drinking water supply, health services, and emergency response.

Given the seasonal challenges, discussions may include measures to strengthen coordination between district administrations and disaster management authorities to ensure timely assistance wherever required.

Transfer Policy May Be Discussed

Administrative issues, including the state's transfer policy, are also expected to come up during the meeting. Government employees have been awaiting clarity on transfer-related decisions, and the Cabinet may deliberate on proposals concerning administrative postings and departmental requirements.

However, no official confirmation has been issued regarding specific policy changes.

Official Decisions Awaited

Since the government has not made the Cabinet agenda public, the exact proposals under consideration remain undisclosed. Details of the decisions taken during the meeting are expected to be announced after the Cabinet concludes.

The outcomes of the meeting are being closely watched, particularly by farmers, government employees, and various departments, as several policy decisions with administrative and public welfare implications could be announced.

Monsoon activity has intensified across Chhattisgarh following the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a warning for widespread rainfall over the next 48 hours. Several districts, particularly in central and southern Chhattisgarh, are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

According to the IMD, the weather system is expected to strengthen further, reviving monsoon conditions after a prolonged dry spell across the state.

Rainfall Activity Expected to Increase

The weather department has forecast light to moderate rainfall in many parts of the state on Thursday, while isolated locations may experience heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning.

The impact of the Bay of Bengal system is expected to be most pronounced in central and southern districts before spreading to other regions over the next two days.

State Records 29% Rainfall Deficit

Despite the expected improvement, Chhattisgarh has recorded 29% below-normal rainfall between June 1 and July 15, according to IMD data.

Out of the state's 32 districts, 16 continue to face rainfall deficiency, while 14 districts have received normal rainfall. Meteorologists believe the fresh spell of rain could significantly reduce the existing rainfall deficit if the system remains active.

Raipur Likely to Witness Showers

In the state capital Raipur, cloudy skies are expected throughout the day, with intermittent rain or thundershowers likely. The maximum temperature is forecast to remain around 30°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to hover near 24°C.

On Wednesday, Rajnandgaon recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 35.5°C, while Bilaspur registered the lowest minimum temperature at 24.2°C.

Central, Southern Districts May Receive Heavier Rain

Meteorologists said the strengthening low-pressure area could bring relatively heavier rainfall to central and southern Chhattisgarh, offering relief to farmers and improving water availability in reservoirs and groundwater sources.

The renewed rainfall is expected to benefit kharif crops, which depend heavily on consistent monsoon activity during July.

Break Monsoon Had Impacted Agriculture

Weather experts noted that July is typically the wettest month in Chhattisgarh. The recent decline in rainfall was attributed to a break monsoon phase, during which the monsoon trough shifted away from the region and low-pressure systems weakened.

Such conditions temporarily reduced rainfall across central India, including Chhattisgarh, delaying agricultural activities in several districts.

Rainfall Distribution Remains Uneven

Rainfall has varied considerably across districts this season.

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded 462.5 mm of rainfall, around 74% above normal, making it the only district in the "large excess" rainfall category. Mungeli has also received above-normal rainfall, while several districts including Balod, Baloda Bazar, Dantewada, Raipur, Janjgir-Champa, Mahasamund, Sakti, and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai have reported rainfall close to normal levels.

However, rainfall continues to remain below normal in several other districts, highlighting the uneven distribution of monsoon showers across the state.

The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning and urged farmers and local administrations to monitor updated weather advisories over the coming days.