Horticulture and Food Processing to Benefit Both Farmers and Industrialists: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that both farmers and industrialists would benefit from horticulture and food processing activities. These activities can foster entrepreneurship and industrial growth in all districts of the state. He emphasized that coordination between the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises sector will enhance employment opportunities and economic activities. Significant progress has been made in this area. He suggested forming self-help groups to engage farmers and their families, along with establishing hi-tech nurseries at the divisional level to provide necessary training. Dr. Yadav recommended increasing the budget for the Horticulture and Food Processing Department and aligning activities with market demand. He also proposed the creation of a horticulture promotion agency with a clear time frame and roadmap to guide these efforts.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was reviewing the Horticulture and Food Processing Department. Minister Shri Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Chief Secretary Smt. Veera Rana, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Rajesh Rajoura, Principal Secretary Finance Shri Manish Singh, Principal Secretary Shri Sukhveer Singh, and other officers were present in the meeting.

Efforts Must Be Made to Gain National and International Recognition for State’s Orange, Banana, Betel, Garlic, and More

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh is one of the leading states in India for spice production. He emphasized the need to develop a separate market for spices within the state and to expand spice cultivation to other districts. With large-scale production of fruits, vegetables, and spices, special efforts should be made to establish the distinct identity of Madhya Pradesh’s oranges, bananas, betel, garlic, and more at both national and international levels. Additionally, Dr. Yadav instructed that the ongoing tree plantation campaign in the state should include the encouragement of planting fruit trees. He also called for promoting activities such as organic production of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, as well as setting up dehydration plants and gamma radiation facilities in the state

Outstanding performers should be honored in government programs

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that there is a need to ensure that the farmers get full benefit of their hard work and investment and they do not have to suffer loss under any circumstances. Therefore, workshops should be organized at the district level to provide information about latest technology and government schemes. Outstanding performers in the field of horticulture and food processing should be honored in government programs and along with displaying their achievements in programs; there should also be a system to establish communication with them so that other farmers and entrepreneurs can get inspiration.

18 lakh fruit trees planted in the state

In the meeting, a presentation was given on the ongoing activities in the state on centrally funded schemes, state-funded schemes, Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Per Drop More Crop Micro Irrigation Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Enterprises Upgradation Scheme in the field of horticulture and food processing. It was said that Madhya Pradesh ranks first in the country in the production of oranges, tomato, coriander, garlic, and spices. To ensure additional income for farmers and environmental protection, 18 lakh fruit trees were planted by the department in the state under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.