FPOs Should Not Be Limited to Crop Procurement—They Must Also Process Produce and Generate Profit: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the state government is committed to increasing farmers’ income as part of building a “Golden Madhya Pradesh.” He emphasised that Madhya Pradesh will play a vital role in fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India @2047. To achieve this, the state government has initiated development efforts across sectors. As part of the state’s industrialisation drive, the food processing industry is being actively promoted. The total irrigated area in Madhya Pradesh has expanded to nearly 55 lakh hectares. To reduce farmers’ dependence on conventional electricity and ease their financial burden, the state government has initiated the distribution of 32 lakh solar pumps for irrigation. Farming activity continues to expand, and with high agricultural productivity, Madhya Pradesh is now moving toward becoming a leading state in food processing.  CM Dr. Yadav urged that Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) should not limit themselves to crop procurement. Instead, they should process grains and other produce and sell value-added products in the market, ensuring direct economic benefits to member farmers.

CM Dr. Yadav was speaking at the ‘FPO Director Summit – 2025’ organised by the FPO Federation of Madhya Pradesh under the theme ‘Prosperous FPOs – Self-Reliant Farmers – Developed India’ at the State Agricultural Extension and Training Institute on Tuesday. He inaugurated the program by Deep-Prajjwalan. Women from self-help groups in Ratlam district tied bamboo-made rakhis on the Chief Minister’s wrist during the program. CM Dr. Yadav also extended greetings to the farmers on the occasions of Independence Day, Janmashtami and Shri Balram Jayanti.

Target to Raise Food Processing from 5% to 95%

CM Dr. Yadav stated that the government has set a target to increase food processing in the state from the current 5% to 95%. Farmers are being actively integrated into this initiative. A major industry for potato chip production is being set up in the Malwa region. He said that FPOs can play a crucial role not only in food processing but also in warehousing and logistics. He encouraged farmers to expand the reach of their products through FPOs. The government is offering full support to all industries, including electricity, water and land. For employment-generating industries, the state will provide a monthly subsidy of Rs. 6,000 per woman employee and Rs. 5,000 per male employee for 10 years.

High Global Demand for MP’s Organic Cotton

CM Dr. Yadav noted the growing concern over the use of chemical pesticides in crop production. Traditional farming practices have declined, while rice cultivation has expanded in previously unsuitable areas. Meanwhile, cotton cultivation has declined, although Malwa and Nimar were once known for it. He highlighted that Madhya Pradesh produces high-quality organic cotton, which is in great demand globally. While Chinese cotton is not preferred for yarn and textile production, MP’s cotton is widely sought after. He alleged that China and Vietnam are marketing their cotton under the name of Madhya Pradesh.

State Government to Partner with Farmer Organizations for Atmanirbhar Agriculture

CM Dr. Yadav said that the state will work with organizations like Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and Malavam Federation to empower farmers. The government has set the wheat procurement rate at Rs. 2,600 per quintal, removed tax on tur dal, and is arranging to purchase millets like Kodo and Kutki at MSP. The state also aims to increase milk production from 9% to 20%. Under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme, the government is providing subsidised dairy animals (cows and buffaloes) to eligible beneficiaries. Alongside food processing, the state is now promoting milk processing and dairy product manufacturing.

No Shortage of Fertilizers in the State: Agriculture Minister Shri Kanshana

Agriculture Minister Shri Eidal Singh Kanshana stated that Madhya Pradesh is an agriculture-dominant state, and the prosperity of its farmers is key to national prosperity. Under CM Dr. Yadav’s leadership, many welfare schemes are being run for farmers. He assured that there is no shortage of fertilizers in the state. Currently, 14 lakh metric tons of urea and 12 lakh metric tons of DAP are available. While DAP is in slightly short supply, arrangements are being made. The government has already distributed 10 lakh metric tons of urea to farmers. He said that by the grace of Lord Shri Ram, the state has received sufficient rainfall and compensation will be provided to farmers for any losses due to floods or heavy rains.

India Will Become a Developed Nation by 2047 Under PM Modi’s Leadership

Bharatiya Kisan Sangh’s national president Shri K. Sai Reddy said that under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, India will become a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized the goal of making India the world’s strongest economy. He added that if FPOs work together like the Pandavas, they will surely succeed. The organization is striving to reach one lakh villages across the country to uplift farmers and rural communities.

FPOs Need Ongoing Training in Crop and Product Marketing

Bharatiya Kisan Sangh’s national organising secretary Shri Dinesh Kulkarni said that inspired by Lord Balram, the organization is working to make farmers prosperous. The vision of a Developed India can only be realised through inclusive development. FPOs can play a key role in this transformation. The central government has laid out plans to support all FPOs across India. He stressed the need for regular training for FPOs in marketing their crops and products. For this purpose, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has established the Mahi Federation at the national level and six state-level federations, including Malavam Federation in Madhya Pradesh.

The program was attended by Agriculture Secretary Shri Nishant Barwade, Shri K. Kumar Swamy (Hubli), Shri Kamal Singh, Shri Mahesh, along with Bharatiya Kisan Sangh members Shri Kailash Singh Thakur, Shri Narayan Yadav, Shri Ghanshyam Patidar, Shri Kamal Patidar, Shri Suraj Singh Thakur, Shri Atul Maheshwari and a large number of FPO directors.