Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Farmers Block Highway Over Low Cotton Prices in Madhya Pradesh
Farmers in Bhikangaon were unhappy because they said cotton prices were too low.
They first protested at the local agricultural market.
Farmers said good cotton was selling for less in Bhikangaon than in Khargone.
They closed the market gates and later blocked a highway.
The roadblock lasted nearly two hours and caused long lines of vehicles.
Farmers said officials did not respond quickly enough.
Tehsildar Manoj Chauhan later met the farmers and traders.
After discussions, the farmers agreed to end the blockade and cotton auctions restarted.
Farmers protested at the Bhikangaon Krishi Upaj Mandi on Wednesday over low cotton prices.
The dispute began around 12:15 pm after farmers and traders argued about cotton rates.
Farmers blocked the National Highway around 12:30 pm, causing traffic queues in both directions.
They compared Bhikangaon prices of Rs 6,500–6,600 per quintal with about Rs 7,200 in Khargone for similar-quality cotton.
Tehsildar Manoj Chauhan met farmers and traders, and the blockade ended around 2:30 pm after an agreement.
- Who
- Farmers, traders, market officials, and Tehsildar Manoj Chauhan were involved.
- What
- Farmers protested over low cotton prices and blocked the National Highway for nearly two hours.
- When
- On Wednesday, the protest began around 12:15 pm, the highway blockade began around 12:30 pm, and it ended around 2:30 pm.
- Where
- At the Krishi Upaj Mandi and National Highway in Bhikangaon, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- Farmers said cotton prices in Bhikangaon were lower than in Khargone and alleged that officials intervened too late.
Farmers’ Concerns
Market Administration’s Response
Cotton prices
Farmers’ Concerns
Farmers said even good-quality cotton was receiving lower prices in Bhikangaon than similar cotton in Khargone.
Market Administration’s Response
The report does not provide a detailed explanation from traders for the price difference; officials and traders later reached an agreement with the farmers.
Response to the protest
Farmers’ Concerns
Farmers said no responsible official came forward during their initial mandi protest and Bharat Krishak Samaj leader Shantilal Mukati blamed delayed intervention for the escalation.
Market Administration’s Response
Tehsildar Manoj Chauhan reached the site around 1:30 pm, held discussions with farmers and traders, and said the matter was resolved.
- Protest location
- Bhikangaon Krishi Upaj Mandi, Madhya Pradesh
- Highway blockade
- Nearly two hours
- Bhikangaon price
- Rs 6,500–6,600 per quintal for similar-quality cotton
- Khargone comparison
- About Rs 7,200 per quintal for similar-quality cotton
- Higher-quality cotton
- Up to Rs 8,000 in Bhikangaon versus more than Rs 9,000 in Khargone
- Resolution
- Farmers and traders reached an agreement around 2:30 pm
- Official involved
- Tehsildar Manoj Chauhan