Water for Every Field─₹1 Lakh Crore Budget to Boost Madhya Pradesh Farmers

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that a Food Park will be established in the Rahli region of Sagar district to promote agro-based industries. This will generate employment opportunities for local youth. He said that the land of Bundelkhand is the land of brave warriors like Alha and Udal, and the Rahas Mela of Sagar district holds great historical significance.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the gathering on Friday at the inauguration of the historic ‘Rahas’ Mela in Garhakota, Sagar district and at the fund transfer ceremony for beneficiaries of the Social Security Pension Scheme.

Recalling the 217-year-old glorious history of the Rahas Mela and paying tribute to the valour of Bundelkhand’s warriors, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said:

“Bade ladeya Mahoba wale,
Jin ki maar sahi na jaye.
Ek ko maare doi mar jave,
Tija khauf khaye mar jaye.”

He offered countless salutations to the sacred land of such great warriors who laid down everything for the motherland and compelled the world to acknowledge their bravery and valour.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that in Indian culture, there is a unique relationship between seasons and traditional fairs. Festivals are closely linked to agricultural cycles—Diwali is celebrated after the harvest of paddy and soybean, while Holi marks the arrival of the wheat harvest. Visiting the land of Bundelkhand fills one’s heart with joy and pride. He said that during Krishak Kalyan Varsh, sustained efforts are being made to expand agro-based trade and allied activities to bring greater prosperity to farmers’ lives. The State Government is prioritising animal husbandry and milk production. In Budget 2026–27, the new Yashoda Yojana has been launched, under which students up to Class 8 in government schools will receive tetra-pack milk free of cost. Continuous efforts are underway to empower women and strengthen their socio-economic participation. Ladli Behna beneficiaries are receiving ₹1,500 every month.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that the State Government is committed to promoting small and cottage industries. A committee will be formed to boost micro-industrial activities in Rahli. Along with the traditional beedi industry, handicrafts will also be promoted.

On this occasion, he transferred the Social Security Pension amount for January (paid in February 2026) into beneficiaries’ bank accounts with a single click. Under these schemes, each beneficiary receives ₹600 per month. A total of ₹196.72 crore was transferred to more than 32.78 lakh beneficiaries.

Strengthening infrastructure in the Rahli Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister approved the construction of the Khejra–Shahpur–Mokalpur flyover. He sanctioned ₹5 crore each for the upgradation of the Rahli and Garhakota Agricultural Produce Markets and ₹1 crore for the development of the Shahpur sub-market, ensuring better prices and modern facilities for farmers. He also announced the upgradation and widening of the Rahli–Ramkhiriya–Simariya Nayak–Baheriya Madhi road (approximately 22 km).

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that in Bundelkhand, the beedi industry and tendu leaf collection are not merely commercial activities, but the primary source of livelihood for lakhs of families. Beedi, tendu leaf and handicraft-based small units will be encouraged. A committee comprising MPs, MLAs and local representatives will make decisions for the welfare and advancement of beedi workers and tendu leaf collectors. A sports and stadium complex will also be constructed for local players. Approval has been granted to introduce Commerce and History faculties in the Government College at Dhana. He further stated that there is no shortage of funds for serving the elderly. The State Government is working for the welfare of all. More than ₹1 lakh crore has been proposed in this year’s budget for farmer welfare. Students of Rahli have received the gift of a grand Sandipani Vidyalaya. Uniforms, books, and bicycles are being distributed free of cost. School toppers are awarded scooters. Sandipani schools in the state are outperforming private schools.

Major Announcements

Multi-sports complexes will be built in Garhakota and Rahli. New Commerce and History faculties will be started in the college. New flyover and road upgradation works will be undertaken in the region. ₹5 crore each will be allocated for development works in Garhakota and Rahli Agricultural Produce Markets. ₹1 crore will be provided for development works in the Shahpura Agricultural Produce Market. Efforts will be made to expand the irrigation area through the Sonar River.

Former Minister Shri Gopal Bhargava said that the Rahas Mela began 217 years ago on the occasion of the coronation of Bundelkhand’s then ruler, Shri Mardan Singh Judev. The then Chief Minister, Late Sundarlal Patwa, had also visited in 1990. The fair has continued to be organised every year with grandeur. He stated that the Rahli-Garhakota region was once backward, but development accelerated after the formation of the State Government in 2003 and the Central Government in 2014. With the blessings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, key needs of the region have been fulfilled. He emphasised the need to expand irrigation facilities and suggested the construction of Lav-Kush Dham and linking Maa Narmada with the Sonar River under the intra-state river linking project.

Several public representatives and officials were present at the programme, including Members of Parliament, MLAs, former ministers, mayors, district panchayat chairpersons, senior administrative and police officials, and other dignitaries.