Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has urged farmers to combine traditional farming with modern technology, natural farming and food processing to make agriculture a more profitable business.
Addressing the Balaram Agriculture Festival in Vidisha virtually from Barwani on August 14, the Chief Minister said farmers need to look beyond crop production and explore value addition to increase their earnings.
Focus on Natural and Organic Farming
Dr Yadav said the agriculture festival aims to introduce farmers to new technologies while encouraging natural and organic farming practices.
He urged farmers to improve soil fertility by reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopting natural and organic alternatives.
The Chief Minister also emphasised food processing, saying farmers can earn more by processing agricultural produce rather than selling crops only as raw material.
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Government Steps for Farmers
Dr Yadav highlighted several measures taken by the state government for farmers.
The government has modified the conditions for short-term crop loans, including removing the earlier March 31 due date.
He also said farmers would receive electricity for irrigation during the day instead of at night. Under the Kavach scheme, steps are being taken to improve the loan accounts of defaulting farmers.
Drone Didi’ Earns Over ₹3 Lakh
The programme also showcased how technology is creating new income opportunities for rural women.
Dr Yadav virtually interacted with Prabha Verma, a ‘Drone Didi’ from Vidisha district. Prabha said training women to operate agricultural drones has opened a new avenue for women’s empowerment.
She has carried out 1,160 spraying operations so far and charges ₹300 per spray. Through the work, she has earned more than ₹3 lakh, becoming a ‘Lakhpati Didi’.
The Chief Minister congratulated her and said women have the confidence and determination to achieve their goals when they receive the right opportunities.
Technology and Value Addition Could Reshape Farming
The Balaram Agriculture Festival highlights a broader shift towards technology-driven and sustainable agriculture in Madhya Pradesh.
From agricultural drones and modern farming techniques to food processing and natural farming, the focus is increasingly moving beyond simply producing crops.
For farmers, greater adoption of technology and value-added processing could create additional income opportunities while strengthening the rural economy.
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