Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday participated in the Balram Krishi Mahotsav organised in Shajapur district through video conferencing from Bodh Gaya, Bihar. During the interaction, he discussed agricultural development, farmers’ welfare and measures to strengthen the rural economy.
The Chief Minister said Shajapur is continuously progressing in agriculture, innovation and development. The district is known for crops such as onions, potatoes and soybeans and is also strengthening its presence in agro-based industries and the solar energy sector.
He added that proposed road and expressway projects would accelerate the district’s development and improve market access for farmers and local traders.
Government Promoting Modern Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries
CM Mohan Yadav said the state government is working to make agriculture more profitable under the Krishak Kalyan Year initiative. The government is promoting improvements in irrigation, electricity supply, solar pumps, storage facilities, food processing and agriculture-based industries.
Key initiatives highlighted by the Chief Minister include:
- Expanding irrigation facilities and increasing the area under irrigation.
- Providing daytime electricity to farmers.
- Encouraging the adoption of solar pumps and solar energy for agricultural needs.
- Improving storage facilities and access to markets for agricultural produce.
- Promoting food processing and agro-based industries.
- Working towards fair prices for farmers’ produce.
- Providing four times the compensation for land acquired for new roads, as stated by the Chief Minister.
He also emphasised the importance of natural farming and modern agricultural technologies. Farmers are being selected for natural farming initiatives in the district, while Krishi Sakhis are receiving training to support agricultural development and awareness.
CM Mohan Yadav Urges Farmers to Diversify Their Sources of Income
The Chief Minister encouraged farmers to combine traditional farming with allied agricultural activities to increase their income and reduce dependence on a single source of livelihood.
He urged farmers to explore opportunities in:
- Animal husbandry.
- Dairy production.
- Flower cultivation.
- Fisheries.
- Food processing.
- Other agriculture-related businesses.
According to the Chief Minister, diversifying agricultural activities can help farmers develop additional income sources and strengthen the rural economy.
Government Strengthening Dairy Production and Cattle Rearing
CM Mohan Yadav said the state government is working to strengthen the Sanchi Milk Union to promote dairy production and support farmers engaged in animal husbandry.
The government is also providing daily financial assistance per cow to support the operation of gaushalas. In addition, competitions and award schemes will be organised to encourage animal husbandry.
The initiatives aim to strengthen the dairy sector, improve rural livelihoods and encourage farmers to take up allied agricultural activities alongside crop cultivation.
Potato and Onion Processing to Help Farmers Get Better Prices
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of food processing and storage facilities in improving returns for farmers, particularly those cultivating potatoes and onions.
The government is working towards:
- Expanding potato and onion processing facilities.
- Improving storage infrastructure.
- Establishing food parks.
- Encouraging agro-based industries.
- Creating better market opportunities for agricultural produce.
These measures are intended to reduce challenges associated with storing and marketing perishable crops while helping farmers secure better prices for their produce.
Chief Minister Sugam Parivahan Bus Scheme to Connect Villages
CM Mohan Yadav said the state government will expand rural transportation through the Chief Minister Sugam Parivahan Bus Scheme, under which bus services will be made available to villages across the state.
He also highlighted other initiatives aimed at improving rural living conditions and agricultural infrastructure, including:
- Free registration of rural families’ residential properties.
- Efforts to provide farmers with solar-powered electricity.
- Better transportation connectivity between villages and markets.
- Improved access to essential services in rural areas.
The proposed expansion of rural bus services is expected to improve connectivity for villagers and make travel more convenient.
State Government Taking Continuous Decisions in Farmers’ Interests
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, referring to wheat procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) with a bonus and the Bhavantar scheme.
He said the government is implementing welfare schemes to increase farmers’ income, expand irrigation coverage and strengthen agriculture economically.
The broader focus is on improving agricultural productivity, supporting farmers through government initiatives and creating better opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
Balram Krishi Mahotsav Connects Farmers with Modern Technologies
CM Mohan Yadav described the Balram Krishi Mahotsav as an important platform for connecting farmers with developments, modern technologies and innovations in agriculture.
He said such events provide farmers with opportunities to:
- Learn about new agricultural technologies.
- Understand improved farming practices.
- Explore innovations in crop cultivation and allied activities.
- Gain awareness of modern agricultural methods.
- Learn about government initiatives for farmers’ welfare.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and improving the well-being of farmers. He also welcomed the farmers and guests participating in the event and encouraged them to contribute actively to the district’s development.
Apex Bank Administrator Highlights the Role of Farmers in India’s Growth
Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Maryadit (Apex Bank), Bhopal, administrator Mahendra Singh Yadav addressed the programme and said that villages form the foundation of India and farmers are central to the country’s prosperity.
He noted that agriculture, animal husbandry and rural development are receiving priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, through which farmers receive direct financial assistance.
Shajapur MLA Arun Bhimawad Calls the Festival an Important Agricultural Initiative
Shajapur MLA Arun Bhimawad said the Bhagwan Balram Krishi Mahotsav is being organised across every district of Madhya Pradesh under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Describing Shajapur as an agriculture-oriented district, he said the festival is an important initiative to improve farming practices and increase farmers’ income.
The event brought agricultural development, modern farming technologies and farmers’ welfare into focus, reinforcing the state’s efforts to make agriculture more productive and economically sustainable.
Read also: From Homes to Legal Rights: Madhya Pradesh Restarts Free Rural Property Registration
