Seoni/Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav struck a personal chord with farmers during his visit to Seoni on July 1 by stepping into a paddy field, sowing rice, sharing a meal with farmers, and interacting with them on agricultural issues. The gesture highlighted his efforts to connect directly with the farming community while unveiling a series of major welfare initiatives and development projects worth nearly ₹494 crore.
During the Dhan Mahotsav and Kodo-Kutki Bonus Distribution Ceremony, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for hundreds of development projects, announced new infrastructure initiatives, and reiterated the state government’s commitment to farmers, rural development, and social welfare.
CM Mohan Yadav Joins Farmers in Paddy Plantation
In a unique display of solidarity with farmers, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav participated in paddy transplantation in the fields, shared a meal with local farmers, and held informal discussions on agriculture and rural development.
His interaction was well received by the farming community, with many appreciating his simple approach and willingness to engage directly with people.
₹349.33 Crore Development Projects Inaugurated, ₹144.8 Crore Projects Launched
The Chief Minister dedicated 586 development works worth ₹349.33 crore to the people of Seoni district while also performing the groundbreaking ceremony for 43 new projects worth ₹144.8 crore.
The combined investment of over ₹494 crore is aimed at strengthening infrastructure, education, sports, and public services across the district.
Among the major announcements were:
- Construction of the Balaghat–Seoni Four-Lane Road
- Establishment of a Government College in Chamara Development Block
- Construction of a new stadium and several other public infrastructure projects
Dr. Yadav also visited an exhibition showcasing government schemes and participated in Kanya Pujan during the event.
₹282.99 Crore Bonus Distributed to Kodo-Kutki Farmers
Under the Rani Durgavati Shri Anna Protsahan Yojana, the Madhya Pradesh government transferred ₹282.99 crore as bonus payments to 3,941 millet farmers producing Kodo and Kutki.
Farmers received a bonus of ₹1,000 per unit, in addition to the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Chief Minister stated that the state government has, for the first time, launched a government-level procurement campaign for Kodo and Kutki to encourage millet cultivation and improve farmers’ income.
GI Tag Boost for Madhya Pradesh Agriculture
Dr. Mohan Yadav said that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh’s paddy crop has received a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, enhancing its recognition and market value.
He also highlighted that several traditional crops have already secured GI recognition, including:
- Sitahi Kutki of Dindori
- Nagdaman Kutki
- Baigni Arhar
According to the Chief Minister, the government is also working on branding, packaging, and marketing these millet varieties to create better market opportunities for farmers.
₹365 Crore Assistance to Labour Families Under Sambal 2.0
The Chief Minister also transferred ₹365 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to 16,754 labour families under the Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) 2.0 Scheme.
He highlighted that the scheme provides:
- ₹4 lakh assistance in case of accidental death
- ₹2 lakh assistance in case of natural death
- ₹1 lakh financial support in cases of disability
Beneficiaries are also eligible for free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
Government Survey Underway for PM Awas Beneficiaries
Dr. Yadav said the state government is conducting a fresh survey to identify all eligible families who were previously left out of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
He assured that every eligible beneficiary would receive housing support under the scheme.
Farmers Encouraged to Adopt Millets Amid Weather Uncertainty
Referring to the expected impact of El Niño on this year’s monsoon, the Chief Minister advised farmers to diversify cultivation and prepare for millet production if rainfall remains below normal.
He emphasized that crops such as Kodo, Kutki, Jowar, Bajra, and Maize, once considered crops of economically weaker communities, have now gained national and international recognition under the Shri Anna Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He added that millets are highly nutritious and easily digestible, making them an important component of sustainable agriculture.
Soybean Farmers Also Benefiting from Government Schemes
The Chief Minister said the state government has already extended financial support to soybean farmers through the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana.
He further announced that the Bhavantar Scheme will also be implemented for paddy farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
Under the scheme, the government will compensate farmers for the difference between the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the prevailing market price, ensuring better returns for paddy growers.
UCC Proposal to Be Introduced This Month
During the event, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav also stated that the Madhya Pradesh government is expected to bring a proposal for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) later this month.
He said that more than 10 lakh people in the state have expressed support for the proposed legislation.
Government Focused on Inclusive Rural Development
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state government remains committed to the welfare of farmers, labourers, economically weaker sections, and rural communities.
He said the government’s objective is to create value addition across the agricultural supply chain—from farm to market—while strengthening infrastructure, expanding social security, and ensuring that every welfare scheme reaches its intended beneficiaries.
With major investments in infrastructure, direct financial assistance to farmers and labourers, support for millet cultivation, and plans to expand agricultural market protection through the Bhavantar Scheme, the Seoni event underscored the Madhya Pradesh government’s focus on rural development and farmer welfare.
