KATNI: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday virtually addressed farmers at the Balram Krishi Mahotsav organised in Katni under the state’s Krishak Kalyan Year 2026 initiative. The Chief Minister joined the programme from Indore and encouraged farmers to adopt innovative agricultural practices, diversify their crops and explore new ways to increase their income.
During his address, Yadav reiterated the state government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, stating that the government aims to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce, improved irrigation facilities and new opportunities for prosperity.
CM Mohan Yadav Highlights Natural and Organic Farming
The Chief Minister praised farmers in Katni for adopting new crops and agricultural practices alongside traditional farming methods. He highlighted the growing emphasis on natural farming, organic agriculture and the cultivation of Kodo and Kutki, two traditional millet crops.
According to Yadav, these alternative farming practices can create new opportunities for farmers and help them increase their income through agricultural innovation.
The Balram Krishi Mahotsav aims to encourage farmers to explore alternative crops, modern agricultural methods and sustainable farming practices that can make agriculture more productive and profitable.
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Government Emphasises Financial Support for Farmers
The state government highlighted several financial assistance and agricultural support measures intended to improve farmers’ economic security.
Key initiatives include:
- Annual financial assistance of ₹12,000: Eligible farmers receive a combined annual benefit of ₹12,000 under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and the Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana.
- Energy assistance for agricultural pumps: Support is provided for agricultural pumps with a capacity of up to 10 horsepower.
- Zero-interest crop loans: Eligible farmers can access crop loans at a zero per cent interest rate under the applicable scheme provisions.
These measures are intended to reduce farmers’ financial burden, support agricultural operations and improve their ability to invest in farming activities.
Focus on Fair Prices and Better Irrigation
Addressing farmers virtually, Yadav said the government was committed to standing alongside the farming community. He identified remunerative prices for agricultural produce, improved irrigation infrastructure and access to new economic opportunities as key priorities.
Better irrigation facilities can support agricultural productivity, while fair prices can help farmers obtain improved returns for their produce. The government also aims to encourage agricultural diversification so that farmers can explore crops and practices suited to local conditions.
Dairy Sector and Agricultural Industries to Get a Boost
The programme also highlighted the importance of expanding the dairy sector and strengthening the rural agricultural economy.
Key areas of focus include:
- Dairy development: Expanding dairy-related activities to create additional income opportunities for rural households.
- Cooperative participation: Connecting more livestock farmers with cooperative societies.
- Agro-based industries: Encouraging industries linked to agriculture to strengthen rural economic activity.
- Agricultural exports: Promoting agricultural exports to expand market opportunities for farmers and agricultural producers.
The broader objective is to improve opportunities across the agricultural value chain, including production, processing and market access, while making farming and allied activities more profitable.
Balram Krishi Mahotsav Focuses on Farmers’ Prosperity
The Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Katni is part of Madhya Pradesh’s Krishak Kalyan Year 2026 initiative, which places emphasis on farmers’ welfare and agricultural development.
Through the programme, the state government is encouraging farmers to adopt natural and organic farming, explore traditional millet crops such as Kodo and Kutki, and use innovative agricultural practices to improve their earnings.
The government has reiterated that fair prices, irrigation support, financial assistance, crop loans and the expansion of allied sectors such as dairy farming will remain important components of its approach to improving farmers’ livelihoods.
The initiative seeks to create broader opportunities for farmers by combining traditional agricultural knowledge with new farming practices, stronger market connections and the development of agriculture-related industries.
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