Mixed response on day four of farmers' stir; Union Minister Badal blames Cong misrule for present plight of peasants

The fourth day of the ongoing farmers' stir across several states saw a mixed impact with prices of agricultural produce including vegetables rising in some urban areas while their supply remained normal in others.

The situation was by and large peaceful.

Farmers in Punjab decided to call off their stir on June 6 even as the protest would continue in other states.

In Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur, where six people were killed in police firing on June 6 last year, the impact was palpable as only 200 farmers reached the local 'mandi' to sell their produce today, said an official.

"On normal days, over 4,000 farmers arrive at the mandi. Today only 200 farmers came in with their produce," said Mandsaur Krishi Upaj Mandi Inspector Balwant Singh Rathore.

Traders, however, claimed there was no shortage of fresh farm produce.

Bhagwandas Meghnani, president of Mandsaur's Wholesale Traders Union, said, "There is no shortage, as of now, because people had stored sufficient amount of vegetables ahead of the agitation. However, farmers from some areas are not arriving at the market."