Farmers in Rajasthan’s border districts of Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh have launched protests alleging irregularities in wheat procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme. They claim mismanagement at procurement centres is preventing genuine cultivators from receiving government support.
Demonstration Planned at District Collectorate
The Kisan Sangarh Samiti announced a demonstration outside the Sriganganagar district collectorate on Monday, expecting over 500 farmers to gather with tractor trolleys carrying unsold wheat. Farmers have staged protests at procurement centres and spilled wheat on roads to highlight their grievances.
Key Complaints by Farmers
Protesters point to shortages of bardana (gunny sacks for packing wheat), inadequate arrangements, and alleged favouritism benefiting influential traders. They demand higher procurement quotas, priority for registered farmers, transparent distribution of bardana, and fair acceptance of wheat stocks.
Higher Effective Rate in Rajasthan
The agitation comes as Rajasthan offers a higher effective procurement rate than neighbouring states. For the 2025-26 rabi marketing season, wheat MSP is set at Rs 2,425 per quintal, with an additional Rs 150 bonus from the state, bringing the effective price to Rs 2,575 per quintal. Farmer leaders say many registered farmers are still unable to sell.
Vinod Jakar of the Kisan Sangarsh Samiti stated, “Many farmers who registered for MSP are yet to sell their wheat because of favouritism at procurement centres run by influential traders and lapses in quality control.”
Allegations of Outside Wheat
Farmers allege wheat is being brought from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to exploit Rajasthan’s higher rate. Subash Sehgal, a farmer leader, claimed, “Those distributing bardana are favouring local traders and even traders from Punjab.”
Other complaints include delays and weather pressures forcing sales below MSP, and misuse of documents by ineligible sellers, including seed producers. The farmers vow to continue their protest until their demands are met.
