Bhopal, Jun 9 (IANS): Expressing grief over the escalating farmers' agitation, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said he will sit on an indefinite fast in Dussehra Maidan here until peace is restored.

Talking to reporters at his official residence, Chouhan said: "The state government is working for the farmers and in the past days, many important decisions have been taken to benefit them. Due to the abundance in onion yield, the government is buying it at Rs 8 per kg while toor and moong daal (pulses) will be bought at agreed upon rates. Moreover, a commission has also been set up to look into the costs."

"Whenever the farmers were in distress, we have gone to their houses to find solutions, give compensation and distribute insurance claims. The farmers are being given loans at no interest rates. But those who are spreading violence in the name of protests will be dealt with," he added.

Asserting that he is ready for talks with the common man, Chouhan said that he will sit in BHEL's Dussehra Maidan from 11 a.m. on Saturday, fasting indefinitely for restoration of peace and will also run his government from the ground.

The Chief Minister also requested the protestors to come and talk with him in person, saying that he is open to discussions to solve the problem at hand.