Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav launched the State-Level Balaram Krishi Mahotsav 2026 from Indore, unveiling a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy and improve farmers’ income. Declaring 2026 as the “Farmer Welfare Year”, the Chief Minister announced several initiatives, including dairy subsidies, food processing expansion, better irrigation, zero-interest farm loans, and a new rural transport scheme.
The statewide campaign will continue across all 55 districts until November 13, bringing together 16 government departments to provide farmers with technology, training, market access, financial support, and modern agricultural solutions.
2026 Declared as ‘Farmer Welfare Year’
Addressing the gathering, CM Mohan Yadav said the government has dedicated 2026 to farmers by launching a coordinated campaign involving departments such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Cooperation, MSME, Revenue, and Energy.
He said the initiative is designed not only to increase agricultural production but also to create a complete value chain—from farming and processing to manufacturing and marketing—ensuring higher and sustainable income for farmers.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that after successfully observing Industry and Employment Year in 2025, the state is now focusing on transforming agriculture through innovation and integrated development.
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Statewide Campaign Across 55 Districts Until November
The Balaram Krishi Mahotsav is not a one-day event. The campaign will continue across Madhya Pradesh until November 13, featuring exhibitions, awareness drives, farmer training sessions, demonstrations of modern farming techniques, and interactions with agricultural experts.
Farmers will receive guidance on:
- Natural and organic farming
- Drone technology in agriculture
- Farm mechanization
- Dairy and fisheries
- Food processing
- Crop insurance
- Agricultural loans
- Marketing and value addition
‘From Farm to Factory and Factory to Market’
CM Mohan Yadav said the government is developing a complete agricultural economy based on the concept of “Farm to Factory and Factory to Market.”
He emphasized that new food processing industries are being established across the state to create stable markets for agricultural produce.
As an example, he highlighted the recently established ₹1,250 crore potato processing unit in Ujjain, which will procure potatoes from 32 districts, offering farmers long-term market opportunities.
The government is also promoting agriculture-based industries in districts including Indore, Ujjain, and Agar.
Major Irrigation Expansion Planned
The Chief Minister said irrigation remains the backbone of agricultural prosperity.
He noted that while only 7.5 lakh hectares of land had irrigation facilities before 2003, the state’s irrigation coverage has now expanded to 65 lakh hectares.
He also highlighted the importance of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project and the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Project, which together are expected to benefit 13 districts by improving irrigation and drinking water supply.
The districts expected to benefit include:
- Sheopur
- Morena
- Bhind
- Gwalior
- Rajgarh
- Shajapur
- Dewas
- Ujjain
- Neemuch
- Mandsaur
- and several others.
Farmers to Get Daytime Electricity
To improve farming conditions and reduce accidents, the government announced that farmers will gradually receive daytime electricity supply instead of nighttime power for irrigation.
The move aims to make agricultural operations safer, more efficient, and more convenient.
Zero-Interest Farm Loans with Easier Renewal
The Chief Minister also announced reforms in agricultural lending.
Farmers receiving zero-interest crop loans will no longer need to renew their loans every six months. Instead, repayment can be made after one full year, providing greater financial flexibility.
He also noted that wheat procurement this year was carried out at ₹2,625 per quintal, while soybean growers benefited through the state’s price support mechanism.
Dairy Sector to Receive Major Push
Animal husbandry emerged as another key focus during the event.
The government announced that farmers setting up dairy units worth up to ₹40 lakh will receive a ₹10 lakh subsidy.
CM Yadav said Madhya Pradesh currently contributes around 12% of India’s milk production, and the state aims to increase its share to 20%.
He added that collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has already helped farmers earn ₹8–10 more per litre of milk, significantly improving rural incomes.
New Rural Transport Scheme Announced
The Chief Minister announced the upcoming Chief Minister Sugam Transport Scheme, aimed at improving transport facilities in rural areas.
The initiative will improve connectivity for villages and support easier movement of agricultural produce to markets.
Support for Cattle Shelters and Wildlife Management
The government reiterated its commitment to cattle welfare by continuing a subsidy of ₹40 per day per cow for registered gaushalas.
Additionally, the state will introduce a special wildlife management plan to reduce crop damage caused by blue bulls (nilgai) and other wild animals. Authorities are also considering the use of helicopters as part of wildlife control measures in affected regions.
Major Announcements Made by CM Mohan Yadav
During the inaugural event, the Chief Minister announced several important decisions:
- A new modern agricultural market will replace the existing Indore Mandi.
- A statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar will be installed in the area.
- Alternative housing will be provided to families affected by the mandi relocation.
- Daytime electricity supply for agriculture will be introduced.
- Dairy units up to ₹40 lakh will receive a ₹10 lakh government subsidy.
- Gaushalas will continue receiving ₹40 per cow per day.
- Food processing, fisheries, dairy, and agro-based industries will be expanded.
- A special plan will be implemented to control wildlife damaging crops.
Farmers Receive Guidance from 16 Government Departments
The festival featured exhibitions from multiple departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Energy, MSME, Revenue, and Cooperation.
Farmers had the opportunity to interact directly with experts, learn about government schemes, explore modern farming equipment, and receive technical advice on improving productivity.
Outstanding farmers, students from farming families, and social media influencers promoting agriculture were also honoured during the event.
Government Focused on Long-Term Agricultural Growth
CM Mohan Yadav said agriculture remains the backbone of Madhya Pradesh’s economy, contributing nearly 43% to the state’s GDP.
He highlighted that Madhya Pradesh ranks among India’s leading producers of wheat, soybean, pulses, oilseeds, garlic, coriander, oranges, and millets, while also ranking second nationally in flower cultivation.
The government believes that combining infrastructure, irrigation, processing industries, dairy expansion, technology, and market access will help create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem and significantly improve farmers’ livelihoods across the state.
