Bhopal, 03 August (H.S.): Emphasising that innovation is the cornerstone of agricultural transformation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has said that the adoption of modern farming technologies, scientific cultivation methods and farmer-centric government initiatives will pave the way for greater prosperity in the agricultural sector. He also highlighted the State's remarkable achievement of securing the National First Prize for Horticulture Crop Development, describing it as a reflection of Madhya Pradesh's growing leadership in Indian agriculture.
Addressing farmers virtually from the Chief Minister's Residence during the Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Betul on Monday, Dr Yadav reaffirmed his government's commitment to making agriculture a profitable and sustainable enterprise. He said that increasing productivity through technology and expanding market opportunities would ensure higher incomes for farmers while strengthening the State's position as one of India's leading agricultural producers.
Praising Betul's rich natural resources, fertile soil and industrious farming community, the Chief Minister said the district's agricultural strength has been shaped by its favourable geography, nourished by seven rivers, including the sacred Tapti. He noted that Betul has emerged as one of the country's leading maize-producing districts, while its farmers continue to make significant contributions through the cultivation of wheat, paddy and Shree Anna (millets).
Dr Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh's emergence as the nation's Food Basket has been made possible by the dedication of farmers across the State, with Betul playing an especially important role. He described the Balram Krishi Mahotsav as more than a government outreach programme, calling it a comprehensive campaign aimed at empowering cultivators with knowledge, technology and direct administrative support.
Organised from 15 July to 13 November, the Mahotsav seeks to connect farmers with agricultural experts and government officials, enabling them to learn about modern farming techniques, scientific crop management, improved irrigation practices and recently launched welfare schemes. The Chief Minister encouraged farmers to actively participate in the campaign, adopt innovative technologies and explore scientific methods that could significantly enhance agricultural productivity and income.
Announcing a series of farmer-friendly decisions, Dr Yadav said the State Government had responded positively to the long-standing demands of mung growers. The procurement limit for eligible farmers has been increased from 25 per cent to 60 per cent of total production, providing greater assurance of government support. In addition, the deadline for slot booking has been extended until 10 August, while procurement operations will continue until 20 August 2026.
In another major relief measure, the Chief Minister announced the immediate suspension of the e-token system for fertiliser distribution, stating that the decision would simplify access to essential farm inputs and reduce inconvenience during the cropping season.
Highlighting the government's broader support for farmers, Dr Yadav pointed out that Madhya Pradesh had achieved record wheat procurement this year by providing a bonus over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Paddy farmers are also receiving additional financial assistance of ₹4,000 per hectare, while the State has, for the first time, undertaken record procurement of Kodo and Kutki millets, accompanied by a bonus of ₹1,000 per quintal. These initiatives, he said, demonstrate the government's resolve to reward farmers fairly while promoting the cultivation of nutritious and climate-resilient crops.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of irrigation and water conservation for ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. He announced that the State Government had signed an agreement with Maharashtra for the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project, a landmark initiative expected to significantly improve irrigation capacity and groundwater recharge across Betul, Burhanpur, Khandwa and adjoining regions.
Beyond increasing agricultural production, Dr Yadav said the government is focused on strengthening the entire agricultural value chain. Investments are being made in food processing, warehousing, cold storage infrastructure, grading, packaging, value addition and agricultural exports to ensure that farmers receive better returns for their produce. Such measures, he said, will reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access and generate additional rural employment opportunities.
Reiterating his government's commitment to the farming community, the Chief Minister said every policy and programme is aimed at ensuring that cultivators receive fair value for their hard work. He maintained that agriculture must evolve from being merely a means of livelihood into a profitable enterprise driven by innovation, technology and efficient market linkages.
The programme in Betul was attended by Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare and District In-charge Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel, MLAs Chandrashekhar Deshmukh and Yogesh Pandagre, Zila Panchayat President Raja Panwar, other public representatives and a large gathering of farmers, underscoring the State Government's continuing focus on agricultural development and rural prosperity.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi
