Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the name Gwalior evokes a sense of pride. While Gwalior is renowned for its association with the legendary musician Tansen, it is equally known for its gajak, farmers and soldiers. The Gwalior division is a leading region in the state in education, defence, agriculture, food processing and dairy production. He said, “Gwalior will also surpass Punjab and Haryana in agriculture.”
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was virtually addressing a programme organised under the ‘Balram Krishi Mahotsav at the Dabra tehsil premises in Gwalior district. He said the State Government is observing the current year as Krishak Kalyan Varsh . As part of this initiative, Balram Krishi Mahotsav is being organised to promote the welfare and prosperity of farmers. Horticulture, Food Processing and Social Justice Minister Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah was also present with the Chief Minister in Bhopal.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said Gwalior is developing rapidly and emerging as a major telecom industry hub. He said that Gwalior's sandstone, its ‘Yellow Gold’ mustard, golden wheat, masoor and gram have earned the district recognition across the country. The Chief Minister also praised Lal Tipara, the state's largest model cow shelter in Gwalior. He said other cow shelters are being established across the state inspired by the model of Lal Tipara.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav urged farmers attending the programme to get their Farmer IDs made. The ID will not only help farmers access government schemes but also provide them with important information related to agriculture. He advised farmers to understand the potential of their land and move beyond dependence on traditional crops by adopting crop diversification, natural farming and advanced animal husbandry. He said that Dairy production is a quick means of achieving economic prosperity.
Power to Be Available During Day and Night for Rabi Crop Irrigation
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the State Government will now provide electricity during the day and night as well for irrigation of Rabi crops such as wheat and gram. He said the government has also taken an ambitious decision to establish Vrindavan villages in every Assembly constituency to promote farmers’ welfare and rural development. Similarly, Geeta Bhawans are being constructed in cities. The Chief Minister urged farmers to safeguard their land and avoid unnecessary wedding expenditure. He appealed to farmers to arrange their children’s marriages through mass marriage conventions. He also extended greetings to everyone on the occasions of Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami.
Farmers and Their Meritorious Children Honoured—Benefits Distributed
Apex Bank Administrator Shri Mahendra Singh Yadav and other guests inaugurated the Balram Krishi Mahotsav at the Dabra Mandi premises by lighting a ceremonial lamp before the portrait of Lord Balram. Progressive farmers of the district and meritorious children of farmers were honoured during the programme. Benefits under various government schemes were also distributed. Exhibitions showcasing new agricultural technologies, organic farming, modern agricultural machinery, drone technology and advanced animal husbandry were organised. Agricultural experts also explained the finer aspects of natural farming, crop diversification and advanced agricultural practices to farmers.
New Initiatives Being Added for Farmers During Farmer Welfare Year
Apex Bank Administrator Shri Mahendra Singh Yadav said Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has decided to observe the current year as Krishak Kalyan Varsh. He described the initiative as highly commendable, saying that several new initiatives are being introduced for farmers’ welfare during the Krishak Kalyan Varsh. Shri Yadav said a special campaign is being conducted to increase membership in the cooperative sector across the state. He added that it is now the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that government schemes reach farmers.
Farmers Learn About Drone Technology and Digital Agriculture Services
As part of the Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Dabra, farmers received information through exhibitions and subject experts on digital agriculture services, weather-based farming, soil health management, drone technology, smart irrigation, advanced farm machinery and modern farm management systems.
Agricultural experts also briefed farmers on new farming methods suited to changing climatic conditions, the use of modern technologies in crop production and measures for effectively managing agricultural risks.
Progressive farmer Shri Pran Singh of Bilaua, who has successfully adopted natural farming, and other farmers shared their experiences on the occasion. The festival also featured attractive and patriotic cultural performances.
Former Minister Smt. Imarti Devi, State Coordinator of the Balram Mahotsav and Cultural Cell, Shri Kapil Yarde, Shri Prem Singh Rajput, Dabra Janpad Panchayat President Smt. Pravesh Gurjar, District Panchayat Vice-President, Smt. Priyanka Singh Ghuraiya, Kisan Morcha District President Shri Amardeep Olakh, members of the District Panchayat and other public representatives attended the event.
Collector Smt. Ruchika Chauhan, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Shri Sojan Singh Rawat, Dabra SDM Smt. Juhi Garg, Deputy Director of Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Shri Bhanu Prakash Sharma, other departmental officials and progressive farmers from across the district were also present.