Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav interacted online with farmers during the Balram Krishi Mahotsav-2026 held in Jhabua and highlighted the state government’s efforts to increase farmers’ income, make agriculture more profitable, and promote modern as well as natural farming practices.
The Chief Minister said that the government is continuously working to strengthen the agriculture sector by expanding irrigation facilities, encouraging technology-based farming, and providing better support systems to farmers.
Balram Krishi Mahotsav 2026 Being Organized Under Krishak Kalyan Year
The Balram Krishi Mahotsav-2026 is being organized across Madhya Pradesh under the theme of “Krishak Kalyan Year”.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the event from Indore, while similar programmes will be organized in different districts:
- July 21: Alirajpur
- July 23: Barwani
- July 25: Khargone
- July 27: Burhanpur
- July 30: Khandwa
The campaign will continue across the state with agriculture-focused activities until November 13.
Read also: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Transfers ₹1,460 Crore Crop Insurance Claims to 10.54 Lakh Farmers
Administration Directed to Provide Immediate Support to Farmers
CM Mohan Yadav said that the weather department has predicted the possibility of below-normal rainfall this year. Considering the situation, he instructed the administration to remain fully prepared to assist farmers.
He highlighted several government initiatives for farmers:
- Agricultural loans up to ₹3 lakh are being provided at zero percent interest rate.
- Electricity connections are being provided to farmers at only ₹5.
- Dairy development schemes provide up to 33% subsidy on projects up to ₹40 lakh.
- Farmers are being encouraged to adopt scientific farming methods and water conservation practices.
The Chief Minister said both the Central and State governments are committed to protecting farmers’ interests and supporting agricultural development.
Focus on Modern Technology, Natural Farming and Water Conservation
Dr. Mohan Yadav encouraged farmers to adopt:
- Modern agricultural technology.
- Scientific farming advice.
- Natural and organic farming methods.
- Water conservation techniques.
- Improved crop management practices.
He said these approaches will help increase productivity, reduce risks, and make farming more profitable.
Jhabua Leads in Natural Farming Under National Mission
The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is moving forward with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of natural farming through the National Natural Farming Mission.
In Jhabua district:
- 50 Krishi Sakhis have been selected to promote natural farming.
- Around 3,125 acres of land is currently under natural farming.
- Certification of farmers practicing natural farming has also been completed.
Kadaknath Poultry Gets Global Recognition Through One District One Product Scheme
CM Mohan Yadav highlighted efforts to promote Jhabua’s famous Kadaknath poultry under the One District-One Product (ODOP) initiative.
He said:
- Kadaknath is being promoted at national and international levels.
- More than 1,000 new beneficiaries were added in 2025 through Kadaknath farming.
- The initiative is creating new income opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Expanding Farmers’ Income Sources
The Chief Minister said that agriculture along with animal husbandry can become a strong source of regular income for farmers.
Government schemes are promoting:
- Dairy farming.
- Goat rearing.
- Poultry farming.
- Other livestock-related activities.
He also highlighted the growth of fisheries in Jhabua:
- More than 760 ponds have been developed.
- Around 3,000 hectares area is being used for fish farming.
These initiatives are helping improve farmers’ economic stability.
Cotton Production Increases in Jhabua, PM Mitra Park to Boost Farmers
CM Mohan Yadav said that cotton production is being specially encouraged as a cash crop in the region.
During Kharif 2026:
- Cotton has been sown in 23,230 hectares in Jhabua.
- Last year, cotton cultivation covered 19,888 hectares.
- The area under cotton cultivation has increased by around 16%.
He said the upcoming PM Mitra Park in Badnawar, Dhar district, will provide cotton farmers with a complete value chain from “farm to factory”, helping increase income, employment, and industrial growth.
Jhabua Tomato Becomes a Major Identity of Madhya Pradesh
The Chief Minister praised Jhabua’s tomato production and processing sector.
Key achievements include:
- Tomato cultivation on around 2,812 hectares.
- Production of approximately 1.68 lakh metric tonnes.
- Development of a tomato producer cluster.
- Production of tomato sauce and ketchup.
- Installation of 12 solar dryer units for tomato dehydration.
Jhabua tomatoes are now being supplied to several states, including:
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi
Micro Irrigation Project to Benefit 50,000 Farmers
Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the Narmada-Jhabua-Petlawad-Thandla Micro Lift Irrigation Project will bring major benefits after completion.
Expected benefits:
- Irrigation facility for nearly 32,000 hectares of land.
- Benefit to around 50,000 farmers.
- Better water conservation.
- Improved irrigation efficiency.
- Increased agricultural production.
The project will help farmers achieve higher production with less water usage.
Farmers Receive Information on Advanced Agriculture Practices
During Balram Krishi Mahotsav, farmers are being provided information about:
- Advanced farming technology.
- Improved seeds.
- Modern agricultural machinery.
- Natural and organic farming.
- Crop diversification.
- Water conservation.
- Government welfare schemes.
The event also includes:
- Recognition of progressive farmers.
- Distribution of benefits under various schemes.
- Display of agricultural equipment and technologies.
- Technical guidance from agriculture experts.
Digital Agriculture and Smart Farming Technologies Highlighted
Farmers are being trained about new-age agricultural solutions, including:
- Digital agriculture services.
- Online agricultural consultation.
- Weather-based farming.
- Soil health management.
- Drone technology.
- Smart irrigation systems.
- Modern farm management practices.
Farmers are also being informed about climate-resilient farming methods and risk management techniques.
Balram Krishi Mahotsav Focuses on Six Major Agricultural Goals
The festival brings together 16 departments, including agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, cooperation, MSME, revenue, and energy departments.
The six major agricultural commitments of the campaign are:
- Promotion of natural and organic farming.
- Water conservation and the goal of providing water to every farm.
- Expansion of agricultural mechanization and modern technologies.
- Crop diversification and value addition.
- Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and agricultural entrepreneurship.
- Ensuring 100% benefits of government welfare schemes reach farmers.
Campaign Aims to Build a Prosperous and Technology-Driven Madhya Pradesh
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that Balram Krishi Mahotsav-2026 is not just an event but a comprehensive campaign to increase farmers’ income by connecting them with modern technology, processing industries, markets, and employment opportunities.
The initiative aims to create a stronger, sustainable, and prosperous agriculture sector in Madhya Pradesh.
