Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said the state government is committed to supporting farmers at every stage—from agricultural production to financial assistance. Addressing the 11th Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Narmadapuram virtually from Bhopal, the Chief Minister said the government has ensured that farmers receive water, electricity, quality seeds, fertilizers, agricultural equipment, crop insurance benefits, interest-free loans, and financial assistance directly into their bank accounts.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has declared the current year as Kisan Kalyan Varsh (Farmer Welfare Year) and is prioritizing farmer-centric schemes across Madhya Pradesh.
CM Highlights Kavach Scheme to Resolve Cooperative Loan Issues
Dr. Mohan Yadav said the state Cabinet recently approved the Kavach Scheme, describing it as a historic initiative for farmers facing issues with cooperative loan accounts.
He explained that many farmers were unable to access fresh agricultural loans and government welfare schemes because of pending irregularities or delays in the verification of old cooperative accounts.
The Kavach Scheme aims to resolve these issues by bringing affected farmers back into the formal credit system, enabling them to receive new crop loans and government benefits without unnecessary delays.
Government Supporting Farmers from Sowing to Selling
The Chief Minister described the Balram Krishi Mahotsav as a celebration of direct dialogue between the government and farmers.
He said:
- Ten Balram Krishi Mahotsav events have already been organized across 20 districts.
- The Narmadapuram event is the 11th edition of the festival.
- The government stands with farmers from sowing seeds to ensuring fair market prices for their produce.
Dr. Yadav highlighted that the state procured a record 104 lakh metric tonnes of wheat at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) along with bonus payments, providing significant relief to wheat growers.
Bhavantar Scheme Expanded to Mustard and Paddy
The Chief Minister announced that the Bhavantar Yojana, which previously benefited soybean farmers, has now been extended to include:
- Mustard
- Paddy (Rice)
He also noted that for the first time, Shri Anna (Millets) such as Kodo and Kutki were procured at MSP, with farmers also receiving bonus payments.
Responding to farmers’ demands, the government has increased the procurement limit for moong from 25% to 60% for eligible farmers.
Crop Diversification and Allied Activities Encouraged
Dr. Mohan Yadav urged farmers to diversify their income sources instead of relying solely on traditional crops.
He encouraged greater participation in:
- Animal husbandry
- Fisheries
- Dairy farming
- Horticulture
- Natural farming
- Modern agricultural practices
The Chief Minister said the government has set a target to increase milk production by 20% and has established dairy cooperative societies to achieve this goal.
Subsidies for Orchards, Nurseries and Food Processing
Highlighting horticulture opportunities in Narmadapuram, Dr. Yadav said the district has immense potential for cultivating:
- Mango
- Guava
- Orange
- Pomegranate
- Lemon
- Banana
He said the government is providing subsidies for:
- Establishing fruit orchards
- Nursery development
- Polyhouses
- Shade-net houses
Farmers setting up food processing units can receive up to 50% subsidy, while women Self-Help Groups are being supported through the Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam initiative.
Flexible Cooperative Account Settlement for Farmers
The Chief Minister announced that farmers will now have greater flexibility in settling cooperative accounts.
Instead of mandatory settlements every six months and the earlier deadline of March 31, farmers can now repay their dues whenever they are financially able, making the system more farmer-friendly.
Narmadapuram Emerging as an Agriculture and Industrial Hub
Dr. Mohan Yadav described Narmadapuram as a district known for:
- High-quality silk production
- Sharbati wheat
- Basmati rice
He also highlighted the rapid development of the Babai-Mohasa Industrial Area and announced that a logistics park near Katni will further strengthen industrial growth. The government is also working to resolve local issues affecting residents of Pipariya and Pachmarhi.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Farmer Welfare
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister reiterated that farmer welfare remains one of the state’s highest priorities. He said activities under Kisan Kalyan Varsh will continue throughout the year to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen rural incomes, promote modern farming techniques, and ensure that farmers receive timely financial and institutional support.
The virtual event was attended by Sohagpur MLA Vijaypal Singh and several public representatives, who participated in the Balram Krishi Mahotsav held in Narmadapuram.
