Bhopal/Seoni: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced a series of major farmer welfare, infrastructure, and social security initiatives while addressing the state-level Paddy Festival (Dhani Mahotsav) held in Seoni district. A key highlight of the event was the extension of the Bhavantar Scheme benefit to paddy crops, aimed at ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce.
The Chief Minister also transferred financial assistance worth crores directly into farmers’ and workers’ bank accounts under multiple schemes and laid the foundation for several development projects in the Mahakoshal region.
Bhavantar Scheme Extended to Paddy Farmers
In a major relief measure for rice growers, the Chief Minister announced that paddy crops will now be included under the Bhavantar Yojana. Under this scheme, the state government will compensate farmers for the difference between Minimum Support Price (MSP) and market prices.
The decision is expected to significantly benefit farmers in Mahakoshal, a major rice-producing region of Madhya Pradesh.
₹494 Crore Worth Development Projects Inaugurated
The Chief Minister dedicated and laid the foundation stone for 629 development works worth ₹494.16 crore in Seoni district.
This includes:
- ₹349.33 crore worth of completed projects (586 works)
- ₹144.83 crore worth of new projects (43 works)
Key infrastructure announcements included:
- Balaghat–Seoni four-lane road project
- New government college in Chamari village
- Mini stadiums in each assembly constituency
- Rural road development projects
- Establishment of “Nagar Van” in Chhidia Palari
₹365 Crore Transferred Under Sambal Yojana
Under the Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2.0, financial assistance of ₹365 crore was transferred to more than 16,754 labour families via direct benefit transfer.
The scheme provides financial support for:
- Accidental death (₹4 lakh)
- Natural death (₹2 lakh)
- Disability assistance (₹1 lakh)
Officials stated that the scheme has already benefited over 8.5 lakh people across the state.
₹2.84 Crore Bonus for 3,941 Millet Farmers
Under the Rani Durgavati Shree Anna Promotion Scheme, bonuses totaling ₹2.84 crore were transferred to 3,941 millet farmers producing kodo and kutki.
The government is also promoting millet branding, processing, packaging, and marketing under initiatives such as the “Narmada Millets” brand.
Senior Leaders and Public Representatives Present
The programme was attended by several prominent leaders, including:
- Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development (joined virtually)
- Faggan Singh Kulaste, Member of Parliament
- Bharati Pardhi, Member of Parliament (Balaghat)
- Dinendra Rai Munmun, MLA (Seoni)
- Kamal Marskole, MLA (Barghat)
- Rajneesh Singh Thakur, MLA (Keolari)
- Malti Daheriya, District Panchayat President
- Karan Singh Verma, Revenue Minister and Seoni district in-charge
A large number of district officials and farmers also attended the programme.
Focus on UCC, Rural Employment and Agricultural Diversification
The Chief Minister announced that a proposal for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be introduced in the state this month. He clarified that tribal communities will remain outside its scope.
He also emphasized:
- Expansion of rural employment works
- Promotion of crop diversification
- Encouragement of dairy, fisheries, and animal husbandry
- Strengthening of irrigation and rural infrastructure
Farmer Engagement and Cultural Participation
A key highlight of the event was the Chief Minister personally participating in paddy transplantation in a farmer’s field.
He also:
- Shared traditional rural food with farmer Daultaram Bisen
- Interacted with villagers
- Planted a tree in the field
- Participated in local cultural traditions and rituals
The Seoni Dhani Mahotsav emerged as a major platform for announcing farmer welfare measures and development initiatives. The extension of the Bhavantar scheme to paddy farmers, large-scale financial transfers under welfare schemes, and infrastructure expansion reflect the state government’s focus on agricultural growth and rural development in Madhya Pradesh.
