‘Balram Krishi Mahotsav’ Connects Farmers with Modern Technology and Prosperous Future: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the Balram Agriculture Festival is not merely an event but a comprehensive campaign to connect farmers with modern technology, scientific farming and a prosperous future. He urged farmers to make the best use of the festival to adopt advanced agricultural practices and enhance productivity. The Chief Minister reiterated that the Madhya Pradesh Government is continuously working to increase farmers’ incomes, make agriculture more remunerative and promote modern farming practices.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, addressing the Balram Agriculture Festival virtually from Jabalpur on Saturday, described Harda as the state’s leading agricultural district and praised the fertile Bhuaana region, noting that the waters of the Narmada River have significantly enriched agriculture in the district. He said that Harda has emerged as a leading producer of moong, soybean, wheat and green chillies. The Government is working to extend irrigation facilities to every corner of the district.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the State Government has prepared an integrated action plan involving 16 departments to enhance farmers’ incomes through diversified agricultural activities, including dairy, fisheries, animal husbandry, horticulture, vegetable cultivation, spices and floriculture, in addition to traditional crops. He said natural farming and modern agricultural technologies are also being promoted across the state. The Chief Minister said, referring to cooperative credit reforms, that farmers will now be required to pay interest on cooperative loans only once a year. He also stated that the Government has ensured fair compensation for land acquired for development projects.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that traditional farming methods alone are no longer sufficient, and the future lies in modern, scientific and sustainable agriculture. He urged farmers to get their soil tested and cultivate crops according to soil health. The Chief Minister advised them to minimise the use of chemical fertilisers and gradually adopt natural and organic farming practices. He also encouraged crop diversification rather than relying on a single crop, stating that this would improve soil health, increase farm incomes, and introduce greater diversity in agricultural production. He also conveyed his greetings for the upcoming festivals and directed the administration to make adequate arrangements for the convenience of Kanwar pilgrims.

Government Holds Farmers in Highest Esteem

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Madhya Pradesh Government has been taking significant decisions for farmers’ welfare. He said farmers feed the nation through their hard work and dedication, and therefore deserve the highest respect and gratitude. The Chief Minister informed that ₹4,000 was transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers as Samman Nidhi assistance.

Farmers Income to Double during ‘Krishak Kalyan Varsh’

Chief Minister Dr. Yadavb said that India’s growing global recognition is rooted in its values of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and inclusive development. He said, referring to Lord Balram as the first deity associated with agriculture, that the State Government is observing 2026 as ‘Krishak Kalyan Varsh’ with the objective of doubling farmers’ incomes. As part of this initiative, Balram Agriculture Festivals are being organised across different regions of the state.

Target to Increase Dairy Contribution from 9% to 20%

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, highlighting the Government’s achievements, that the state’s irrigated area has increased to 65 lakh hectares from just 7.5 lakh hectares before 2002–03. More than 10 lakh hectares have been added to the irrigated area in the past two-and-a-half years alone. He said that the Government has strengthened agriculture through improved irrigation, reliable electricity, better roads, natural farming and modern technologies. Farmers are now using drones for spraying fertilisers and seeds. The Chief Minister announced that following the current monsoon season, farmers would receive electricity for irrigation during the daytime, and in addition to the existing night-time supply. To further increase farmers’ incomes, the Government is promoting dairy farming and has set a target to raise the contribution of milk production from the current 9 per cent to 20 per cent.

Experts Share Scientific Farming Practices

District Panchayat President Shri Gajendra Shah said the Balram Agriculture Festival is helping farmers gain valuable knowledge about modern farming techniques. State BJP Kisan Morcha President Shri Jaipal Singh Chawda said that the festival is creating awareness about scientific farming practices and modern techniques for enhancing crop productivity. He added that the Government remains committed to making farmers prosperous and welcomed the decision to procure up to 60 per cent of farmers’ moong produce, calling it a major relief for cultivators. Agricultural scientists Dr. Mukesh Kumar Bankolia and Dr. O.P. Bharti provided farmers with practical guidance on balanced fertiliser use, scientific cultivation methods and crop protection against pests and diseases.

Guests Visit Exhibition Government Schemes

Various departments set up exhibition stalls showcasing government welfare schemes and agricultural initiatives. The dignitaries visited the exhibition and interacted with officials to learn about the departmental programmes.

Cultural Performances and Technical Sessions

The festival also featured cultural performances by artists, while scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra educated farmers about advanced agricultural technologies and best farming practices.

Progressive Farmers Honoured

Progressive farmers from different sectors, including integrated farming, organic farming, bio-resource management, natural farming, dairy, agricultural engineering and horticulture, were felicitated for their outstanding contributions and innovative agricultural practices.

Meritorious Students Felicitated

Meritorious students from various schools in Harda district were also honoured with certificates of appreciation for their outstanding academic achievements.

The programme was attended by Shri Kapil Yatre, District Panchayat President Shri Gajendra Shah, Vice-President Shri Darshan Singh Gehlot, Shri Rajesh Verma, Shri Jaipal Singh Chawda, Shri Captain Singh Yadav, Shri Mahesh Sharma, Shri Rajesh Panwar, Shri Nitesh Badar, Shri Dilip Gaur, Collector Shri Siddharth Jain, Superintendent of Police Shri Shashank, District Panchayat CEO Smt. Anjali Joseph Jonathan, Additional Collector Shri Purushottam Kumar and other public representatives and officials.