Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the leading state in the implementation of the Centre’s AgriStack initiative, with more than 1.2 crore farmer IDs created and crop surveys completed across over four crore agricultural plots, according to information shared by the state government.
Under Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state has undertaken several initiatives focused on agricultural development, including digital identification of farmers, fertiliser distribution reforms, procurement incentives, interest-free crop loans and promotion of traditional agricultural products.
The state government has also highlighted the international exposure received by Balaghat Chinnour rice, a Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged product from Balaghat district, at the India International Rice Conference 2026 in New Delhi.
Madhya Pradesh Tops AgriStack Implementation
AgriStack is the Centre’s digital agriculture initiative, intended to create a technology-enabled database and infrastructure for agricultural services.
According to the state government, Madhya Pradesh has achieved the following milestones:
- Farmer IDs: More than 1.20 crore farmer IDs have been generated.
- Crop surveys: More than four crore agricultural plots have undergone crop surveys.
- Georeferencing: The surveyed agricultural plots have been georeferenced to establish their location digitally.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the digital infrastructure supporting agricultural services and improve the identification of farmers and their landholdings.
E-Vikas Digital System Introduced for Fertiliser Distribution
Madhya Pradesh has also introduced the digital fertiliser distribution system called E-Vikas, which the state government describes as the first such use of the system in the country.
According to the government, the initiative recorded the following figures:
- Farmers covered: 48.34 lakh eligible farmers.
- Fertiliser distributed: 34.46 lakh metric tonnes.
- Fertiliser savings: 3.94 lakh metric tonnes.
- Subsidy savings: ₹764.65 crore.
The state government said the digital system helped save fertiliser and reduce the subsidy expenditure associated with its distribution. It added that the Centre has been encouraging other states to adopt the system.
Bhavantar Scheme Extended to Soybean and Mustard Farmers
Madhya Pradesh is implementing the Bhavantar scheme to provide support to farmers growing selected crops.
During the state’s Kisan Kalyan Varsh, the scheme has been applied to soybean and mustard.
The government has also announced additional procurement-related support for other crops:
- Urad procurement: Farmers receive a bonus of ₹600 per quintal over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Millet procurement: Under the Rani Durgavati Shree Anna Protsahan Yojana, 3,000 metric tonnes of millets were procured from 4,000 farmers across 15 districts.
- Additional incentive: Farmers covered under the millet procurement initiative received an incentive of ₹1,000 per quintal.
These measures form part of the state’s efforts to support agricultural production and improve returns for farmers.
₹24,000 Crore Crop Loans Distributed to 35 Lakh Farmers
The state government has also highlighted its interest-free crop loan scheme as a major component of agricultural support.
During the financial year 2025–26, approximately 35 lakh farmers received crop loans amounting to ₹24,000 crore under the scheme.
For 2026–27, the government reported that ₹15,000 crore had been distributed so far. This was ₹1,250 crore higher than the corresponding amount in the previous year.
The state also reported distributing 18.52 lakh metric tonnes of chemical fertilisers to farmers during 2026–27.
Farmer Helpline and Natural Farming Plan
To provide agricultural information and crop-related guidance, the state has launched a farmer helpline at 155253.
The Agriculture Department is also considering a new initiative called the Madhya Pradesh Natural Farming Scheme.
The proposed scheme would provide a monthly grant of ₹500 to five farmers in each of 100 villages per district.
Under the proposal, the initiative would cover five selected farmers in each village. The scheme is still under consideration and has not been presented as an implemented programme in the government information.
Balaghat Chinnour Rice Attracts International Buyers
Madhya Pradesh’s traditional agricultural produce also received attention at the India International Rice Conference 2026, organised at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Balaghat Chinnor, a GI-tagged aromatic rice variety from Balaghat district, was showcased at the international event under the state’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
A dedicated stall was set up jointly by the Madhya Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to promote the rice.
The Lalbarra Chinnor Farmer Producer Company Limited represented Balaghat district at the conference.
The organisation introduced national and international rice exporters, traders and other representatives to the product’s distinctive characteristics, including its natural aroma, softness after cooking and traditional significance.
FPO Holds Business Meetings with International Buyers
The conference provided the local Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) an opportunity to interact directly with major Indian rice exporters and overseas buyers through business-to-business discussions.
The state government said these interactions could help create opportunities for Balaghat Chinnor rice in international markets.
Known for its distinctive fragrance, soft texture and mild sweetness after cooking, Balaghat Chinnor received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021.
Its participation in the international conference was part of the state’s efforts to promote region-specific agricultural products and provide local producer organisations with access to wider markets.
Madhya Pradesh’s Focus on Agricultural Development
The initiatives highlighted by the state government cover several aspects of agricultural development, including digital farm records, fertiliser distribution, crop procurement, credit support, natural farming and promotion of traditional produce.
Through AgriStack, E-Vikas, procurement incentives and market-promotion initiatives, Madhya Pradesh is pursuing a combination of technology-based agricultural services and farmer-support programmes.
