The district-level Balram Krishi Mahotsav was held at the Krishi Upaj Mandi in Changera, Neemuch, under the ongoing Krishak Kalyan Varsh. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav joined the programme through video conference from Khandwa and interacted directly with farmers from Neemuch. He discussed agricultural activities, the benefits of farmer-oriented government schemes, innovations in agriculture and farmers’ requirements.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said Neemuch has established a distinct identity in Madhya Pradesh for advanced agriculture, modern farming and agricultural trade. The district produces a range of medicinal crops, including ashwagandha, isabgol, tulsi, shatavari, chirata, amla, baheda and neem. Neemuch also plays an important role in the production and trade of agricultural commodities such as chia seeds, garlic, fenugreek and coriander. Describing farmers as the backbone and foundation of the country’s economy, he emphasised the importance of strengthening their economic well-being.
Rising Arrivals and Revenue at Neemuch Mandi
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted the important role of Neemuch Agricultural Produce Market in agricultural trade. He said Neemuch Mandi is an A-grade market and is recognised as one of Asia’s major centres for the trade of medicinal crops. Agricultural arrivals increased from 53.46 lakh quintals in 2023-24 to nearly 72 lakh quintals in 2025-26. During the same period, the mandi’s revenue also rose significantly, reaching around ₹34.5 crore in 2025-26.
Focus on Natural and Organic Farming
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said natural and organic farming is being practised on more than 10,000 acres in the district. Natural farming helps maintain soil fertility while promoting the production of safe and quality agricultural produce. He urged farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies, diversify crops and take up other income-generating activities alongside farming.
Irrigation Projects to Expand Cultivated Area
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, referring to irrigation projects being implemented in the district, that the Rampura-Manasa Micro and Major Irrigation Project will provide irrigation to more than 67,000 hectares across 212 villages. Similarly, completion of the Jawad-Neemuch and Khuman Singh Shivaji irrigation projects will extend irrigation facilities to more than one lakh hectares. The expansion of irrigation facilities will increase the area under cultivation and benefit a large number of farmers.
Cheetah Project to Open New Tourism and Employment Opportunities
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also highlighted the tourism potential emerging in Neemuch with the introduction of the Cheetah Project at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. He said the development of tourism will create new employment and self-employment opportunities at the local level while giving Neemuch a new identity as a tourism destination.
Emphasis on Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said animal husbandry, dairy farming and fisheries should also be promoted alongside agriculture to increase farmers’ incomes. He emphasised effective implementation of schemes to encourage livestock owners and economically empower families engaged in fisheries in the district, including those dependent on the Gandhi Sagar reservoir. Administrator of Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (Apex Bank) Shri Mahendra Singh Yadav, Jawad MLA Shri Omprakash Sakhlecha, Neemuch MLA Shri Dilip Singh Parihar and Manasa MLA Shri Aniruddh Madhav Maru also addressed the programme.
Progressive Farmers and Meritorious Students Honoured
Progressive farmers Shri Shyam Carpenter, Shri Harish Patidar, Shri Kishore Kumar Patidar and Shri Anil Dhakad were honoured with certificates of appreciation for their achievements. Eleven meritorious students were also presented with certificates. Agricultural scientists and departmental officials provided farmers with information on advanced agricultural technologies, modern farming practices, crop production, animal husbandry and farmer-oriented government schemes. Exhibitions showcasing government schemes and agricultural technologies were also organised by the Agriculture Department and other departments.
Collector Shri Himanshu Chandra, Additional Collector Shri B.S. Kalesh, Shri Jaipal Singh Chawda, Shri Kaptan Singh, Shri Kapil Yarde, Smt. Vandana Khandelwal, Municipal Council President Smt. Swati Chopra, public representatives, officers and employees, beneficiaries and a large number of farmers were present.
