Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has called for promoting improved livestock breeds to boost milk production. He directed that a cattle breed competition be organised in Vrindavan Gram to encourage livestock farmers. The first-prize winner will receive ₹1 lakh, while the second and third winners will receive ₹50,000 and ₹25,000, respectively. The prizes will be presented on Govardhan Pooja during Diwali.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed virtually the Balaram Krishi Mahotsav organised in Ratlam from Ujjain on Wednesday. He said, interacting with farmers, that Ratlam’s farmers are adopting diversified farming practices and undertaking activities such as crop production, processing, livestock rearing and horticulture to boost income. Various schemes and programmes are being implemented to empower farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the government is expanding irrigation facilities and plans to install solar systems on the fields of 30 lakh farmers to energise irrigation pumps. Farmers will be provided 10 hours of daytime power for irrigation during the Rabi season.He said that water from the Chambal River is supporting irrigation in Ratlam, while the river-linking initiative will transform the lives of farmers in the district. The development of expressways has also improved market access for Ratlam’s farmers.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav noted that Ratlam’s farmers grow a variety of crops and are also engaged in processing. Grape cultivation and processing have emerged as successful businesses in the district. Ratlam is known for its gold, sev (guava) and progressive farming practices. He also appreciated Ratlam’s famous sev as well as its distinctive oil-rich kachori.
Interaction with Progressive Farmers
During the interaction, farmer Dilip Patidar, who has expanded his ghee business to markets in the US and Sri Lanka with support under the PMFME scheme, said he had received a subsidy of ₹30.10 lakh under the government scheme. He produces ghee using the traditional bilona method, which enhances its purity and taste and has helped increase demand for his product in India and abroad. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. Rose grower Praveen Patidar also shared his experiences with the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav interacted with guava grower Kanhaiyalal Patidar, who said he cultivates low-sugar VNR, Pink and Red Diamond varieties of guava. He supplies his produce to markets in Mumbai, Delhi and Assam based on demand.
Rekha Vyas, who operates a research centre for organic fertilisers, briefed the Chief Minister on her work in producing organic manure. Garlic and onion grower Dharmendra Jat also interacted with Chief Minister Dr. Yadav in the local Malvi language.
The programme encouraged farmers to adopt advanced agricultural technologies and modern farming practices and diversifies their income through livestock rearing, horticulture and other allied activities.
MSME Minister Chaitanya Kashyap, Jaora MLA Dr. Rajendra Pandey and Ratlam Rural MLA Mathuralal Damar also addressed the programme.
