Archive · 17 Sep 2026
MP Grain Traders Shut Markets Over Farm Gate Payment Changes
Grain traders in Bagh and Jobat stopped buying and selling grain for one day.
They were protesting changes to a government farming payment system.
The changes stopped traders from paying farmers in cash at the market gate.
Traders said many farmers find cash easier than online payments.
Farmers also wanted payment immediately after selling their crops.
The shutdown affected transport workers, loaders, shops, hotels and food stalls.
Traders submitted a memorandum asking Madhya Pradesh’s chief minister to act.
They said the system should work well for both farmers and traders.
They warned that the protest could become indefinite if their concerns continue.
Grain traders in Bagh observed a one-day strike against changes to the MP Farm Gate app.
Traders demanded restoration of cash payments for farmers’ produce and suspended grain trading throughout the day.
The protest affected hamali, transportation, loading, unloading and several local businesses.
Grain trading also remained closed in Jobat after traders opposed new Mandi Board rules stopping cash purchases.
Traders warned of an indefinite strike if payment-related concerns were not resolved.
- Who
- The Grain, Pulse and Oilseed Traders Association, Jobat Traders Association, farmers and traders in Madhya Pradesh.
- What
- Traders observed a one-day shutdown to protest changes to the MP Farm Gate app and Mandi Board rules, especially the removal of cash payments.
- When
- On Thursday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Bagh and Jobat, with a memorandum submitted through the Mandi administration in Kukshi, Dhar district.
- Why
- Traders and farmers said cash payments were convenient and that the new rules created practical difficulties, particularly for timely settlement.
Cash-payment advocates
Online-payment approach
Preferred payment method
Cash-payment advocates
Traders and many farmers demanded restoration of cash payments, saying rural farmers often prefer cash and need convenient, immediate settlement.
Online-payment approach
Under the new arrangements, traders said they were offering online payments instead of cash purchases.
Assessment of the new rules
Cash-payment advocates
Trader associations said the changes to the MP Farm Gate system and Mandi Board rules created practical difficulties for both farmers and traders.
Online-payment approach
The new rules introduced a system in which cash purchases at the mandi farm gate were stopped, with online payment used instead.
- Protest duration
- One-day symbolic strike
- Main demand
- Restoration of cash payments for farmers’ produce
- Affected activity
- Grain trading, hamali, transportation, loading and unloading
- Other affected businesses
- Grocery stores, hotels, tea stalls and snack businesses in Bagh
- Jobat impact
- Farmers arriving for the weekly haat market were unable to sell produce and receive same-day payment
- Memorandum
- Addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and submitted to the Mandi administration in Kukshi
- Further action
- Traders warned of an indefinite strike if the issues remain unresolved