Madhya Pradesh to become Leading Agricultural State through Innovation and Technology: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that if youth step forward with innovation and technology in the agricultural sector, Madhya Pradesh will not only lead in food grain production but also emerge as a frontrunner in agro-based industries, organic products, and agri-exports. He was interacting at the ‘Discussion on Farmers Welfare with Youth’ organised by a private media institution at the Basketball Complex in Indore on Sunday. The event aimed to empower youth participation in agriculture, foster dialogue on farmer welfare policies and promote modern farming and technology. A large number of young farmers, agricultural scientists and entrepreneurs attended the event.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, responding to questions during the interaction, said that Madhya Pradesh is continuously progressing in agriculture and the government is committed to making it the country’s leading agricultural state. The current year is being observed as ‘Krishak Kalyan Varsh’, dedicated to agriculture and farmers.

Young farmers and representatives associated with the agricultural sector directly interacted with the Chief Minister on various issues. During the session, even a robot posed a question to the Chief Minister regarding agricultural development. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav urged youth to engage with new technologies such as drones, organic farming, food processing and agro-based industries. He said this would not only enhance their income but also strengthen the state’s economy. Greater youth participation in agriculture would improve production, quality and exports.  The Chief Minister stated that the government is implementing several schemes for the welfare of farmers and youth, enabling them to become self-reliant and generate new employment opportunities in rural areas.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasised that agriculture is being modernised through technologies such as drones, AI-based farm management, smart irrigation systems and digital marketing. Under the Bhavantar Yojana, farmers are being compensated for the difference in support prices. The government is also promoting agricultural start-ups, providing training programs, offering subsidies and strengthening Farmer-Producer Organisations to create new avenues for employment and self-employment. He stated that farmer welfare remains the government’s top priority, with initiatives including crop insurance, procurement at minimum support prices, farm mechanisation, establishment of food processing units and promotion of exports. The state has achieved remarkable progress in the production of wheat, soybeans, gram and other crops.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that expansion of irrigation facilities, increased water availability through Narmada projects, promotion of micro-irrigation, encouragement of organic & natural farming and crop diversification are ensuring higher farmer incomes. The state has ensured surplus power availability, with a 24-hour electricity supply to farmers. Subsidies are being provided for solar pumps, leading to the continuous expansion of irrigated areas. Currently, the irrigated area in Madhya Pradesh has reached 55 lakh hectares, with a target to expand it to 100 lakh hectares by 2028. He stated that agriculture is no longer merely a means of livelihood but is becoming a strong foundation of economic prosperity through innovation, start-ups and value addition. Modern technology and entrepreneurship are transforming agriculture into a rapidly evolving sector.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav honoured progressive farmers engaged in innovative and modern farming practices. He inaugurated the event by cutting the ribbon and also visited and appreciated the agriculture-based exhibition set up by the youth at the venue.

Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat, Mayor Shri Pushyamitra Bhargav, MP Shri Shankar Lalwani, MLAs Shri Rakesh Golu Shukla, Shri Ramesh Mendola, Smt. Malini Gaur, Shri Mahendra Hardia, Shri Sumit Mishra, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Sudam Khade, Police Commissioner Shri Santosh Kumar Singh, Collector Shri Shivam Verma and organisers Shri Rajesh Rathore and Shri Raj Rathore were present on the occasion.