Agriculture is Not Just Livelihood, but Pillar of Our Culture and Economy: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that agriculture is not merely a means of livelihood but an integral part of our culture and traditions. Agriculture is the pillar of our economy and the foundation of the state’s overall development. He said that today agriculture stands at a new crossroads where challenges such as climate change, irregular rainfall, drought, floods, declining soil fertility and market instability are encouraging us to adopt new thinking and innovation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a new energy has been infused into the agricultural sector. Schemes aimed at increasing farmers’ income have been expanded, technology has reached the fields, and innovation has been transformed into a mass movement. Through initiatives such as ‘Drone Didi’, women are also becoming part of modern agricultural technology, while Krishi Sakhis are spreading awareness among farmers about organic farming, soil health management, and modern agricultural techniques.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the idea of ‘Krishi Moolam Jeevanam’ reflects the life philosophy of our society. Agriculture is sacred, blessed and the very foundation of life. Embracing this spirit, the state is celebrating the year 2026 as a year-long Agriculture Festival under the theme ‘Samriddh Kisan–Samriddh Madhya Pradesh’. The objective is to inspire farmers to adopt future-ready agricultural practices and transform agriculture into a profitable, sustainable, and technology-driven employment model.

Madhya Pradesh Leading in the AgriStack Scheme

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government is making extensive use of digital technology to make farmers’ lives easier. Under the AgriStack scheme, comprehensive data of farmers is being made available in digital form, and Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a leading state in implementing this initiative. Through digital farmer data integration, information related to farmers’ land, crops and production is available at the click of a button, enabling faster delivery of government scheme benefits. Farmers are also being provided with information on weather, market prices, and crop management through mobile and online platforms.

Need to Promote Research and Innovation in Agriculture

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasised that promoting research and innovation in agriculture is the need of the hour. In line with the vision of former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, who added ‘Jai Vigyan’ to the slogan ‘Jai Jawan–Jai Kisan’, it is now time to further expand it with ‘Jai Anusandhan’. He said that the state government is continuously working to empower farmers by promoting modern technology, scientific farming, value addition in agricultural products and better market linkages. New farming methods and crop diversification are being encouraged across the state. Special efforts are also being made to expand chemical-free farming, organic agriculture, and natural farming.

Initiatives are underway for the scientific management of agricultural residues such as parali (stubble), modernisation of mandis, and linking agricultural produce with online trading platforms, while promoting them globally. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that efforts are also being made to link agriculture with tourism, which will provide additional sources of income to farming families and offer urban families an opportunity to experience rural culture. At the same time, the expansion of food processing and agri-industries is being promoted to ensure better prices for farmers’ produce and to give Madhya Pradesh’s agricultural products recognition at national and international levels.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav further said that the state has set a target to increase milk production from 9 per cent to 20 per cent. Under the Chief Minister Dairy Plus Programme, dairy production and animal husbandry are being promoted. Through Krishi Vigyan Kendras, farmers are being trained in modern techniques, improved seeds and skill development. Crop monitoring is also being carried out through satellite and drone surveys. Efforts are also underway to expand food processing units, promote the production of Shri Anna, strengthen stubble management for environmental protection and encourage organic and natural farming across the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the year 2026 is being celebrated as Farmer Welfare Year in the state, with the aim of ensuring comprehensive development of profitable agriculture through modern technology, research, and innovation.

Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, financial assistance is being directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts. Through the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, farmers are receiving fair prices for their crops, and through the Kisan Credit Card, they are able to avail loans at low interest rates. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is also providing insurance protection to farmers’ crops.

He said that the commitment to provide a new direction to agriculture through modern technology, research, and innovation will pave the way for prosperity for farmers across the state.

Initiatives Being Undertaken for the Welfare of Farmers

• Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Scheme, more than 8.4 million farmers are receiving financial assistance of ₹12,000 annually directly in their bank accounts.
• ₹40 per quintal bonus on wheat procurement.
• ₹4,000 per hectare incentive for paddy cultivation.
• Procurement of moong and urad at Minimum Support Price (MSP), with an additional ₹600 bonus on urad.
• Relief of ₹2,106 crore provided to more than 2.4 million farmers affected by natural disasters.
• For the first time, soybean procurement at MSP, with ₹1,500 crore paid under the Bhavantar Scheme.
• Mustard has also been included under the Bhavantar Scheme.
• Crop loans at 0% interest for farmers.
• More than 17.9 million farmers are covered under crop insurance protection.
• Under the PM-KUSUM Scheme, 3.2 million farmers will receive solar pumps.
• Surya Mitra Agriculture Feeder Scheme to provide opportunities for income through solar power.
• Free electricity up to 5 HP for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers.
• Permanent electricity connection for ₹5.
• 10 lakh new electricity connections every year to ensure a 24-hour power supply.
• Procurement of kodo and kutki millets at ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per quintal.
• An additional bonus of ₹1,000 per quintal.
• Up to 50% subsidy for setting up agriculture-based industries.
• ₹5,000 per month incentive for those working in these units.
• Abolition of the mandi tax on the import of tur dal.

New Income Opportunities through Floriculture

Floriculture has been expanded across 44,000 hectares in the state, leading to a rise in exports to international markets.

Promotion of One District–One Product

Special products from seven districts of the state are being promoted, with financial assistance provided to support their marketing and expansion.