Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that farmers would get 10 hours of daytime power for irrigation. He said the state government is continuously working to increase farmers’ income and make agriculture more remunerative. For the first time, the government has procured Shahdol farmers’ Shree Anna—Kodo and Kutki—at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) this year. He said, assuring farmers not to worry, that the government will also procure farmers’ paddy at MSP this year. Animal husbandry will be promoted to boost milk production, while farmers will be provided improved seeds to encourage modern and organic farming.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said farmers were also being encouraged to take up animal husbandry, goat rearing, poultry and fisheries to diversify their income. He virtually addressed the Balaram Krishi Mahotsav in Shahdol from Ujjain on Sunday.
Interacting with farmers, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the state government was continuously working for their welfare. Various schemes and programmes are being implemented to strengthen farmers and the agricultural sector. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said efforts would be made to expand irrigation coverage and ensure water reaches every field.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said turmeric, an ODOP product of Shahdol district, has received a Geographical Tag and is produced abundantly in the region. Considering the agricultural potential of the area, cultivation of spice crops would also be promoted. Arrangements are being made for turmeric processing and market access to create additional income opportunities for farmers.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav interacted with farmers engaged in organic farming and encouraged them to take up horticultural crops, highlighting the popularity of Rajabagh guava, Munga, Kodo and Kutki in the Shahdol region. He said that arrangements would be made for the collection, processing and market access of rare plants found in the region.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the government stands with farmers at every step. So far, farmers availing interest-free loans were required to repay them twice a year. The government has now decided to make repayment annual, enabling farmers to deposit their loan amount at any time during the year according to their convenience.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said homestays would be developed in the Shahdol region and other tribal-dominated villages across the state. The state government has provided grants for homestays, creating new employment and income opportunities for youth and boosting rural economies. The Tourism Department will also facilitate their operation, providing additional income to local residents.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, encouraging farmers, called upon them to increasingly adopt organic and natural farming practices.
During the programme, farmers were provided literature on advanced agricultural technologies, modern farming practices and various agricultural schemes. The festival also encouraged farmers to diversify their income by taking up animal husbandry, horticulture and other allied activities alongside agriculture.
