Barwani Emerging as National Model of Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Innovation : CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that nature is embedded in the very name of Barwani. The district derives its name from ‘Bar ke Van’ (forests of banyan trees), symbolising the majestic banyan tree, which represents vast shelter and enduring greenery. He said that just as the banyan tree stands for strength and sustainability, Barwani district, through the hard work and innovations of its people, is emerging as a new national model of agriculture, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed farmers via video conferencing from the Chief Minister’s Office at the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the Balram Krishi Mahotsav held in Barwani district on Tuesday. He urged farmers, calling the Mahotsav a golden opportunity for everyone, especially young farmers, to actively participate in the event, adopt modern technologies and innovations in agriculture, establish agri-startups, learn advanced farming techniques, avail themselves of government schemes and seek guidance from agricultural experts. The Chief Minister assured farmers that the government stands firmly with them at every step and said that the success of the Balram Krishi Mahotsav depends on their active participation.  MLA from Pansemal, Shri Shyam Barde, was also present on the occasion.

Government to Secure GI Tag for Barwani Red Chilli

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Barwani’s chilli growers are moving beyond traditional farming methods and embracing scientific cultivation, modern grading and advanced packaging. As a result, the demand for Barwani’s red chilli is steadily increasing in both national and international markets. He announced that the State Government is making concerted efforts to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for Barwani’s red chilli. Once granted, the GI Tag will establish Barwani chilli as a globally recognised and protected brand, enhancing its identity and market value worldwide.

Expansion of Irrigation Capacity; No Shortage of Fertilisers and Seeds

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that a good harvest depends on ensuring that irrigation water reaches every field, including tail-end areas. The State Government is implementing major irrigation projects in Barwani, including the Sendhwa, Niwali, Pati and Nagalwadi Lift Irrigation Schemes and the Shaheed Bhima Nayak Sagar (Lower Goi) Project, at an estimated cost of nearly ₹5,000 crore. Upon completion, these projects will irrigate more than 1.21 lakh hectares of agricultural land across 319 villages in Barwani district. The Chief Minister recalled that the State’s first-ever Agriculture Cabinet meeting, held as part of the Farmer Welfare Year, took place in Barwani, with a strong focus on the unprecedented expansion of irrigation capacity. He reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing Madhya Pradesh’s irrigation potential to 100 lakh hectares. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading the Khetiya Agricultural Produce Market into a fully equipped model mandi. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that irrigation, quality fertilisers and improved seeds remain the government’s top priorities, and assured farmers that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the State. To ensure access to high-quality seeds, an Ideal Seed Production Centre is also being established over 50 acres in Barwani.

Barwani Known for ‘Sons Like Diamonds’ and ‘Crops Like Gold’

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described Barwani as a land renowned for producing ‘sons like diamonds’ and ‘crops like gold’. He paid tribute to the brave tribal freedom fighters Bhima Nayak and Khajya Nayak, whose courage, sacrifice and spirit of self-respect have enriched this sacred land, and lauded the hard work and dedication of the district’s farmers. The Chief Minister said that Barwani’s outstanding cotton, premium-quality bananas and renowned red chillies have earned recognition across India and abroad. The district has demonstrated that adopting modern agricultural practices and technological advancements can simultaneously increase agricultural productivity and farmers’ prosperity.

Barwani to Benefit from PM MITRA Park; Cotton Farmers to Gain

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that with the strength of its farmers, Madhya Pradesh is progressing towards becoming a textile hub. Record cotton production has become Barwani’s defining identity. Farmers in Sendhwa, Rajpur and Pati are successfully cultivating cotton using the High-Density Planting System (HDPS) over nearly 5,000 hectares, resulting in higher productivity, better quality, increased incomes and lower cultivation costs. He said the government stands shoulder to shoulder with farmers and is connecting them with buyers, exporters and international markets through linkages with the South India Textile Mills Association, enabling better prices for their cotton. The Chief Minister added that the country’s largest PM MITRA Park, coming up in neighbouring Dhar district, will also transform the fortunes of Barwani’s cotton growers. Under the ‘Farm to Factory’ vision, cotton produced in Barwani will be processed in the PM MITRA Park, leading to significantly higher local prices for cotton and creating employment opportunities for thousands of youth close to their homes.

Barwani Bananas Reach Global Markets

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Barwani’s banana growers have successfully adopted drip irrigation and advanced tissue culture technology, making the district’s bananas highly sought after in international markets, particularly in Gulf countries. He said that the Mega Food Processing Cluster being developed at Ghatwa in Rajpur tehsil will significantly benefit banana growers. The project will include modern packhouses, cold chain facilities and grading units, enhancing shelf life and connecting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) with major companies. The government aims to establish a comprehensive processing and value-addition ecosystem so that branded bananas from Barwani are exported directly to international markets.

Farmers to Receive Four Times the Market Value as Compensation

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced several major initiatives to reduce the financial burden on farmers. He said that henceforth, farmers will receive approval for a single crop loan covering the entire year, with a repayment period of 12 months. The Chief Minister further announced that if agricultural land in rural areas is acquired for development projects, farmers will now receive compensation equal to four times the prevailing market value. To protect farmers from market fluctuations, the State Government has transferred ₹1,475 crore into the accounts of more than seven lakh soybean farmers. Mustard and paddy have also been brought under the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana to ensure remunerative prices. Paddy farmers are additionally receiving ₹4,000 per hectare. The State has also undertaken record procurement of Kodo-Kutki at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and provided a bonus of ₹1,000 per quintal to farmers.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that farmers are currently receiving 10 hours of uninterrupted electricity daily, with the long-term goal of ensuring 24-hour power supply. The e-Vikas system has been introduced to eliminate irregularities in fertiliser distribution. To strengthen the rural economy and promote dairy farming, the government is providing loans of up to ₹42 lakh along with a 33 per cent subsidy for establishing dairies with a minimum of 25 milch animals. The assistance provided per cow has also been increased from ₹20 to ₹40.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav further said that the Central and State Governments are rapidly promoting solar energy generation on farms to transform the State’s food producers into energy producers. He also announced that Barwani will soon receive rail connectivity, providing a major boost to the district’s development, trade and economic growth.