Bhikangaon (Madhya Pradesh): The Krishi Upaj Mandi in Bhikanga on witnessed a chaotic situation after disputes between traders led to the closure of the auction. The situation escalated when ginner traders objected to the involvement of certain traders in cotton purchases as a result of which auction was halted.

Frustrated farmers created a ruckus, saying they suffered losses due to the ongoing tussle between traders. The initial conflict arose when Ajay Solanki of Tuljaai Enterprises quoted a price of Rs 3,800 per quintal for cotton, which was higher than other traders. This led to the traders' association halting the auction, further inflaming farmers' anger.

The farmers accused the association of opposing traders who offered fair prices, leading to a protest and farmers locked the main gate of the Mandi. As the cotton issue was being resolved, farmers' frustrations reignited over the low prices of soybean, prompting them to close the gate again.

The protest resulted in a blockade on the Khandwa-Vadodara National Highway, causing significant traffic disruptions for about an hour. The situation prompted a swift response from local authorities. Administrative officers, including SDM BS Kalesh, tehsildar Ravindra Singh Chauhan and station in-charge Rameshwar Thakur, arrived to pacify the farmers.

After discussions, the auction resumed around 2 pm, but tensions flared again shortly after due to the soybean pricing issues. Despite the resolution of the cotton auction, the low soybean prices continued to trouble farmers. The auction process was halted for three hours. Mandi secretary Rachna Tikkekar said that the farmers had created a ruckus over the price and CCI's purchase. Following resolution, mandi has been operated smoothly, he added.