ROHTAK, Sept. 29 -- Around 25 members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) staged a one-day hunger strike on Monday outside the grain market gate in Rewari district. They demanded that the government immediately begin official procurement of bajra (pearl millet) at the minimum support price (MSP).

Farmers raised slogans against the government and later submitted a memorandum addressed to the administration through district revenue officer Pradeep Deswal. They warned that if MSP procurement of bajra does not start from October 1, they will intensify agitation, by road blockades and may also climb water tanks to protest if necessary.

Farmers said bajra arrivals in the mandi began about 20 days ago, but government procurement at MSP has ...