Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for expanding horticulture area, getting global recognition MP Leads in Spice Production

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stressed on expanding horticulture area saying that that horticulture crops are an effective means of generating high income for small landholding farmers. Maximum number of farmers should be encouraged to take up horticulture and adopt organic horticulture crops.

The Chief Minister on Wednesday, had a detailed review of the schemes and activities of the Horticulture and Food Processing Department at the Secretariat. Progress of departmental schemes and delivery of benefits to beneficiaries were discussed in detail.

He said that the state government is striving to increase farmers’ income and promote innovation in agriculture. Their income should be enhanced through horticulture. A planned expansion of horticulture crops is required to ensure prosperity in farmers’ lives.

The Chief Minister said that state’s horticulture crops and spices are in high demand in international market. More markets should be explored and strong branding of horticulture products. He added that crops with medicinal properties are also cultivated on a larger scale. A smooth supply chain should be maintained to meet international demand for these crops used in pharmaceutical production.

He further said that new Ayurvedic colleges and hospitals are being opened in the state, and medicinal crops and their by-products should be fully utilized for supplying traditional medicines. He noted that Madhya Pradesh ranks first in the country in spice crop production, which should inspire further improvement in this sector.

Keeping in view the Simhastha-2028, flower cultivation is being promoted and expanded in Ujjain. A Centre of Excellence for Floriculture is being established, for which 19 acres of land near a village close to Ujjain city has been identified. A proposal has been sent to the Central Government and coordination is underway.

Global Recognition for MP’s Horticulture Crops

It was informed that by 2030, the area under horticulture is expected to touch 30 lakh hectares. A Horticulture Promotion Agency is being set up to boost production and export.

Efforts are underway to obtain GI tags for horticulture products to give them global recognition. Products such as Jabalpuri peas, Kumbhraj coriander (Guna), Burhanpur bananas, Riyawan garlic (Ratlam), Khargone chilli, Malvi potato (Indore), Barman brinjal, and Chhatarpur betel leaf are expected to receive geographical indication status soon.

National Ranking of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh remains first in Spice Crops with 57.72 lakh MT while India has 129.52 lakh MT. In flower production it remains on third position with 4.88 lakh MT while India’s flower production is 32.26 lakh MT. In Fruit production the state occupies fourth position with 102.44 lakh MT while India has 1176.48 lakh MT.

Expansion of Makhana Cultivation

It was informed that makhana cultivation is being promoted in the state. Under the expansion scheme, it is being encouraged in 14 districts including Narmadapuram, Seoni, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Dindori, Rewa, Shahdol, Raisen, Anuppur, Panna, and Satna. The target is to expand the area to 85 hectares this year. The Central Government provides up to 40% subsidy on project cost.

Festivals to Promote Horticulture

It was informed that several festivals celebrating horticulture crops will be organized this year. Mango Festival in Bhopal (June), Chilli Festival in Khargone (July), Banana Festival in Burhanpur (September), Vegetable Festival in Indore (October), Guava Festival in Gwalior (November). A workshop/seminar on beekeeping in Gwalior (December).

The Chief Minister also directed to organize an Orange Festival. He suggested planting 10 mango orchards across all 10 divisions during the Mango Festival. Entrepreneurs working on banana fiber extraction should be linked to the Banana Festival. Citizens should be encouraged to develop kitchen gardens during the Vegetable Festival.

Modernization and Infrastructure Development

It was informed that micro-irrigation is being expanded over 15,000 hectares in districts with pressurized irrigation. Two smart seed farms are being developed at Jhila (Sagar) and Kannod (Dewas). Forty horticulture nurseries are being upgraded into high-tech facilities.

In Rupakheda village near Badnawar in Dhar district, youth are actively engaged in floriculture, giving the village a unique identity comparable to a “Switzerland-like” flower hub in Madhya Pradesh.

Identify region-specific crops

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state’s climate and geography are highly suitable for horticulture and should be fully leveraged. Region-specific crops should be identified and farmers encouraged accordingly. A comprehensive plan should be prepared for rapid expansion of horticulture. Better coordination among agriculture and horticulture departments is essential to provide modern technology, quality seeds, irrigation, and market access.

He stressed on taking result-oriented steps in the horticulture sector following the ongoing Year of Farmers Welfare, saying that farmers should be encouraged to diversify into fruits, flowers, vegetables, spices, medicinal, and aromatic crops that provide higher and quicker returns.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure transparency and effectiveness in implementation of schemes so that benefits reach the last person without difficulty. He highlighted that food processing development will increase farmers’ income and create employment opportunities. Small-scale processing units should be promoted.

He reiterated that increasing farmers’ income remains the top priority. The government is committed to making agriculture modern, profitable, and sustainable.

The meeting was attended by Social Justice, Horticulture and Food Processing Minister Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (CM Office) Neeraj Mandloi, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Manish Rastogi, Secretary to CM Alok Kumar Singh, Commissioner Horticulture, and other officials.