Agriculture – Madhya Pradesh outlines comprehensive roadmap for farmer welfare initiatives
Agriculture – Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Wednesday addressed the Krishi Manthan 2026 conclave at Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University in Jabalpur, highlighting a wide-ranging plan to strengthen the agriculture sector.
The event, organised jointly by the state’s Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development along with the university, brought together policymakers, researchers, and farmers to discuss ways to better connect agricultural research, extension services, and market systems. The programme forms part of the state’s declared Farmer Welfare Year 2026, aimed at improving outcomes across agriculture and allied sectors.
Focus on integrated agricultural planning
Speaking at the gathering, the Chief Minister said the year 2026 would see a series of coordinated initiatives designed to support farmers through innovation and collaboration. He emphasised the importance of aligning efforts across departments to ensure that benefits reach farmers efficiently.
He noted that agriculture requires a unified approach where research institutions, government agencies, and market stakeholders work together. According to him, such coordination would help improve productivity and income levels while addressing emerging challenges in the sector.
Procurement support and crop diversification
Referring to the ongoing wheat procurement season, Yadav highlighted the role of the Bhavantar Scheme in providing price support to farmers. He also stressed the need to expand processing facilities for crops such as lentils and chickpeas to increase their market value.
The Chief Minister pointed out that encouraging value addition and diversification could make farming more profitable. He said farmers in the state are increasingly adopting multiple cropping patterns, including cultivating a third crop cycle, which has contributed to higher output levels.
Linking tradition with modern research
During his address, Yadav underlined the cultural and historical importance of agriculture in India. He referred to ancient practices and evidence of early agrarian life to emphasise the long-standing connection between farming and Indian society.
At the same time, he highlighted the role of scientific advancement in transforming the country from food shortages in the 1960s to self-sufficiency. He credited policy initiatives and agricultural research for enabling this shift and called for continued investment in innovation.
Water resources and infrastructure development
The Chief Minister also spoke about the significance of water management projects, particularly those related to river linking and irrigation. He mentioned the long-standing efforts in the Narmada Valley and the eventual completion of key infrastructure that improved water availability in several regions.
According to him, better water distribution has played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting rural livelihoods across multiple states.
State achievements in agriculture and allied sectors
Highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s performance, Yadav said the state is among the leading producers of pulses, including chickpeas, and ranks prominently in the production of oilseeds, wheat, and food grains.
He also noted that the state has made progress in natural farming practices and has begun procuring traditional millets such as kodo and kutki. These initiatives, he said, reflect a broader push towards sustainable agriculture.
Expansion of dairy and nutrition initiatives
The Chief Minister announced plans to increase the growth rate of milk production from the current 9 percent to 20 percent. As part of efforts to improve child nutrition, he also proposed providing free milk to students from Class 1 to Class 8 in government schools.
He said these measures would not only support farmers engaged in dairy farming but also contribute to better health outcomes among children.
Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship
Yadav urged the academic and research community to promote advanced seed varieties, modern agricultural equipment, and startup-driven solutions in the sector. He emphasised the need for innovation to address challenges such as climate variability and resource constraints.
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new administrative building at the agricultural university, initiated training for 1,000 women agricultural assistants known as Krishi Sakhis, and issued work orders to several startups. A new sugarcane unit in Narsinghpur was also launched.
The conclave included exhibitions showcasing agricultural products and technologies, along with discussions on improving transparency through digital governance systems.