Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Panna is the city of Maharaja Chhatrasal and Lord Shri Jugal Kishore. It is the only place where diamonds are found, while the world-famous Panna National Park has witnessed a significant increase in the tiger population following the tiger reintroduction programme. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav virtually addressed the state’s 28th Balaram Krishi Mahotsav in Panna on Sunday. He said that the Bundelkhand region has received several major projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, which will bring prosperity to the region and improve the quality of life of its people. He also said that women beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna Scheme will receive the 40th instalment today.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, to be conducted for one month from September 17 on the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday, will be launched. On October 7, Prime Minister Shri Modi will complete 25 years as an able administrator. He said this is a moment of honour and pride for everyone. He said that the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi has enhanced India’s stature on the global stage. Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is making steady progress. He said that the Central and state governments are implementing several welfare schemes benefiting farmers. The Balaram Krishi Mahotsav will further support farmers by providing them with information from agricultural scientists on modern farming practices and innovative technologies. Several minor irrigation projects, including Pawai Dam, Majhgawan and Runjh, will provide irrigation facilities to farmers on a large scale.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav urged farmers to adopt horticulture and promote natural farming. He also emphasised animal husbandry and other activities as avenues for additional income. Referring to various development works, he also informed about an increase in the allocation for gaushalas.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, needy persons in rural areas will also be provided the facility of free registration of property documents. The scheme will be extended to urban areas in the future. He also spoke about promoting activities such as homestays to boost tourism. He assured farmers that 10 hours of electricity supply would be provided during the daytime for irrigation. The Chief Minister also enquired from farmers about the benefits they were receiving under the Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Chief Minister Interacts with Progressive Farmers and Appreciates Their Work
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav interacted with progressive farmers of the district during the Balaram Krishi Mahotsav and appreciated their work. Woman farmer Kavita Rani of Shahpur Khurd village said that she has been practising natural farming continuously since 2019. She is currently training people from six villages in advanced farming techniques. She also guides farmers on ways to increase income through low-cost agricultural practices. She informed the Chief Minister about the continued support and guidance she had received from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Panna.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav sought information about paddy cultivation. Rajkamal Sharma of Dhami Mohalla, Panna, informed him about a start-up launched in the agricultural sector. Progressive farmer Subrat Malik of Jaruwapur shared information about increasing income through horticulture farming. Beneficiary Natthu Prasad Yadav from the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department informed the Chief Minister about successfully running a dairy business after purchasing a Murrah buffalo under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme.
Chief Minister Also Interacts with Public Representatives
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also interacted with the Guardian Minister and MLAs, along with local public representatives. Panna MLA and former Cabinet Minister Shri Brijendra Pratap Singh shared information about initiatives in the agriculture sector. He also urged increasing the targets for gaushala development, milk production and animal husbandry activities.
Gunnaur MLA Dr. Rajesh Kumar Verma spoke about organic farming in Shyamardada village and raised the issue of crop losses caused by excessive rainfall, seeking a survey and compensation for affected farmers.
Zila Panchayat President Smt. Meena Raje, Zila Panchayat Vice-President Shri Santosh Yadav, former Zila Panchayat President Shri Raviraj Yadav, Municipal Council President Smt. Meena Pandey, Apex Bank Administrator Shri Mahendra Singh Yadav and Kisan Morcha President Shri Pradeep Awasthi also interacted with Chief Minister Dr. Yadav.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed the District Collector to conduct a survey of crops in areas affected by excessive rainfall and resolve other issues faced by farmers. He said that people are also benefiting from camps being organised under the Jan Vishwas Abhiyan in rural and urban areas.
Balaram Krishi Mahotsav a Historic Decision: Guardian Minister
Higher Education, Technical Education and AYUSH Minister and Panna district Guardian Minister Shri Inder Singh Parmar said that organising the Balaram Krishi Mahotsav is a historic decision in the interest of farmers. It will bring significant changes and transformation to agriculture and the lives of farmers. He said that Madhya Pradesh is the first state in the country to adopt farmer-friendly policies and implement welfare policies and schemes in the interest of farmers. Guardian Minister and chief guest Shri Parmar was presented with a plough as a symbolic gesture.
Minister Shri Parmar said that 2026 is being observed as Farmer Welfare Year, during which farmers are being provided important information through various innovations and awareness activities. He also highlighted the commendable initiative of providing loans for Rabi and Kharif crops through cooperatives, along with facilitating loan repayment. He appealed to all farmers to celebrate the Balaram Krishi Mahotsav with enthusiasm.
Kisan Morcha President Shri Jaipal Singh Chawda, Shri Sadanand Gautam, Collector Smt. Usha Parmar, Zila Panchayat CEO Shri Umrao Singh Maravi, other local public representatives, officers and employees of concerned departments, presidents and representatives of farmers’ organisations, and a large number of farmers were present.
Outstanding Farmers and Meritorious Students Honoured
The guests honoured outstanding farmers and meritorious students during the programme. At the district-level event, artistes presented an attractive cultural programme featuring folk dances and patriotic songs. Senior agricultural scientists provided farmers with useful information on advanced agricultural practices. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and garlanding of the portrait of Lord Balaram. Exhibitions by the departments of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Horticulture and Food Processing, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Fisheries, Rural Livelihood Mission, Agricultural Engineering and other departments provided farmers with information about various government schemes. Demonstrations of advanced agricultural machinery were also organised at the venue.
