Farmers will now get a permanent electricity connection for just Rs 5: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has announced that farmers will now be provided with a permanent electricity connection for just Rs 5. Directing the immediate implementation of this scheme in the central region, he stated that it would be gradually extended across the entire state. He emphasized that this is a government dedicated to farmers, committed to making every possible effort to improve their lives. The state government aims to make farmers self-reliant in electricity production through solar pumps. Over the next three years, 30 lakh solar pumps will be provided to farmers, freeing them from electricity bills. Each year, 10 lakh connections will be given. Additionally, arrangements are being made to ensure 24-hour electricity supply for farmers. The electricity generated by farmers through solar energy will be purchased, and they will be paid in cash.

Dr. Yadav made these announcements while addressing farmers who had gathered at the Chief Minister’s residence for the Kisan Aabhar Sammelan (Farmers Gratitude Conference). Farmers from various regions of the state welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav with a floral shower. In a grand gesture, they honored him with a traditional safa (turban), garlands, shawls, sacred coconuts, and symbolic gifts, including replicas of bullock carts and plows. Hoshangabad MP Shri Darshan Singh Chaudhary presented Ram Darbar mementos to all distinguished guests.

Dr. Yadav assured the farmers that the state government is continuously working in their interest. He highlighted that wheat is being purchased at a support price of Rs 2,600 per quintal, which includes a Rs 175 bonus. He compared this to the Rs 447 per quintal rate in 2003-04, underscoring the significant increase made by the government. Additionally, for 2024, the government will provide a Rs 4,000 per hectare incentive for paddy procurement.

To support farmers further, permanent electricity connections will be provided through solar pumps. Recently, 1.5 lakh farmers with temporary connections were given permanent ones at a reduced cost. Farmers with 3 HP pumps will pay only 5% of the cost, while those with 5 to 7.5 HP pumps will contribute 10%.

Dr. Yadav emphasized that the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, deeply cares for farmers. He highlighted the PM’s initiative of free food grain distribution to the underprivileged, ensuring over 100 crore people receive food till 2028, with an expenditure of Rs 2 lakh crore. This, he said, reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of “Ram Rajya”, where every citizen’s well-being is prioritized.

The Chief Minister stated that PM Modi is ensuring farmers receive their rightful benefits, and the government’s compassionate approach is a testament to this commitment. Dr. Yadav urged farmers to adopt crop rotation, shifting from paddy cultivation to groundnuts and other natural crops. He emphasized the need to establish Madhya Pradesh as a leader in organic farming. He acknowledged the GIS Bhopal summit’s role in recognizing farmers’ contributions.

Additionally, he mentioned that a revolution in cotton production is on the horizon. To support this, textile mills that employ family members of farmers will receive a Rs 5,000 bonus. The government is committed to promoting agriculture-based industries in the state. To increase per capita income, the government will provide bonuses for milk production, similar to the incentives for wheat and paddy. Farmers with more than 10 cows will receive subsidies, and village-level dairy farming and cattle rearing will be promoted with financial assistance. Support for gaushalas (cow shelters) will also be increased, with subsidies raised from Rs 20 per cow to Rs 40 per cow. Large cow shelters with a 10,000 capacity will be built in major cities, including Bhopal, for stray and elderly cows.

Dr. Yadav announced that district-level agricultural fairs will be organized to introduce farmers to advanced farming equipment and high-quality seeds available globally. He also highlighted irrigation projects under PM Modi’s River Linking Initiative, which includes Ken-Betwa Link Project (Rs 1 lakh crore), Chambal-Kali Sindh-Parvati Link Project (Rs 70,000 crore), and A third river-linking project on the Tapti River in collaboration with Maharashtra. Dr. Yadav reaffirmed that farmers are not just food providers but life-givers. He praised PM Modi and former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee for their focus on rural development. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “To understand India, one must understand its villages.” He emphasized that strengthening farmers is key to accelerating India’s progress. PM Modi has always prioritized farmers, the poor, women, and youth, ensuring their upliftment through various initiatives.

Farmers expressed their gratitude by visiting the Chief Minister’s residence to thank him personally for his farmer-friendly policies and decisions. Dr. Yadav encouraged farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques, leverage government schemes, and work towards securing a bright future for their children. Agriculture Minister Shri Edal Singh Kanshana called farmers the backbone of India’s economy, stating that under Dr. Yadav’s leadership, Madhya Pradesh will once again emerge as the top agricultural state.

Food & Civil Supplies Minister Shri Govind Singh Rajput praised the CM for honoring farmers’ hard work through his wheat and paddy procurement policies. Khajuraho MP Shri V.D. Sharma commended the Kisan Morcha’s initiative to thank the Chief Minister, calling it a historic decision that has brought joy to farming families. An exhibition highlighting state government initiatives for energy, horticulture, food supply, and agricultural development was organized at the Chief Minister’s residence.

The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishwas Sarang, Backward Classes & Minority Welfare Minister Smt. Krishna Gaur, MLA Shri Rameshwar Sharma, and Bhopal Municipal Corporation President Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, along with a large number of farmers who actively participated in the gathering. Their presence highlighted the significance of the occasion, reinforcing the government’s commitment to farmer welfare and agricultural development in the state.