Bhopal: Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, has inaugurated the Farmer Welfare Year 2026 to strengthen the agricultural sector and implement welfare schemes at the grassroots level. Addressing an orientation program at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium, he emphasized boosting farmer incomes and promoting modern farming practices across the state.
The initiative involves multiple departments working together to ensure the benefits of government schemes reach farmers and their families, while also promoting irrigation, dairy development, and small-scale industries.
Assembly-Wise Agricultural Conferences for Farmers
Under the Farmer Welfare Year, each assembly constituency will host agriculture conferences, with the Agriculture Department providing ₹5 lakh per constituency. CM Yadav stated that these conferences will encourage the adoption of modern farming techniques and strengthen the agriculture ecosystem.
Small farmers will also have access to agricultural machinery on rent, enabling advanced farming without heavy investment.
Dairy Sector Growth and Farmer Benefits
CM Yadav highlighted the state’s achievements in the dairy sector:
- Milk collection increased 25% in 18 months, reaching 12.5 lakh liters per day.
- Milk prices raised by ₹5 per liter, directly benefiting dairy producers.
- Support for gaushalas and fodder management through tractors, trolleys, and machinery.
- Free milk distribution to school children through Mata Yashoda Scheme.
The Chief Minister emphasized expanding dairy production from 9% to 20%, showcasing the government’s commitment to agriculture and livestock development.
Promotion of Rural Tourism and Cottage Industries
The CM announced the launch of home-stay initiatives, providing income up to ₹20 lakh exempt from GST for rural entrepreneurs. Farmers are also benefiting from cottage industries such as honey production, enhancing rural income.
Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization
- Madhya Pradesh aims to expand irrigation coverage to 100 lakh hectares in the coming years.
- Farmers with up to 1 hectare land from SC/ST communities will receive free agricultural pumps up to 5 HP.
- Crop residue management and mechanized farming tools will be available for rent at local agricultural centers.
Agro-Industrial Development and Food Processing
The Chief Secretary of Industrial Policy highlighted the state’s strengths in agriculture-based industries:
- Madhya Pradesh ranks 1st in spice and pulses production, 2nd in food grains, and 3rd in dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
- Over 4,000 food processing units are operational, including government and private food parks.
- The state received investment proposals worth ₹20,000 crore in food processing and spice production.
- Agri-exports are targeted to rise from ₹18,000 crore to ₹30,000 crore by 2028.
- 36 ODOPs (One District One Product) are being promoted for farmer income.
- Cotton production ranks 5th nationally, with 47% of India’s organic non-GMO cotton from Madhya Pradesh.
Technology and Modern Farming Practices
The Agriculture Secretary highlighted Madhya Pradesh AgriStack, a digital platform providing single-click access to farmer, land, and crop records. Farmers also receive e-access to fertilizers and incentives, including ₹600 per quintal bonus for summer urad crops.
Training and orientation programs covered:
- Organic farming
- Horticulture nurseries
- Coarse grain-based value-added products like millet ice cream
- Cage culture in fisheries
Holistic Approach to Farmer Welfare
The CM stressed that approximately 60% of the state population falls under 16 key departments working for agriculture and rural development. Departments like renewable energy, fisheries, MSMEs, tourism, and Ayurveda are actively contributing to a self-reliant farmer and rural economy.
The initiative aims to create a positive environment for farmer welfare, increase agricultural productivity, and support rural livelihoods while aligning with Madhya Pradesh’s goal of becoming a $2 trillion economy.
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