Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is particularly sensitive to farmers' concerns and welfare across Madhya Pradesh. The State Government is committed to ensuring that farmers benefit from modern technology. As part of this effort, the Balram Krishi Mahotsav is providing farmers with information on modern agricultural technologies while also encouraging them to adopt natural farming practices. Despite his busy schedule, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav makes a point of interacting with farmers. Whether engaged in official commitments in New Delhi or administrative responsibilities across the state, he has interacted with farmers at the Balram Krishi Mahotsav held in every district.
The Balram Krishi Mahotsav is being organised across districts on the initiative of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav to connect farmers with modern agricultural technologies, natural farming, agricultural mechanisation and various government schemes. Recently, the Chief Minister interacted virtually with farmers from Shivpuri from New Delhi. Earlier, he had participated virtually in Balram Krishi Mahotsavs held in Ashoknagar, Guna, Vidisha, Raisen, Bhopal, Rajgarh, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Burhanpur, Ujjain and Khargone, among other places. He personally attended the festival in tribal-dominated Alirajpur.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav believes that the prosperity and well-being of farmers are vital to ensuring overall prosperity and food security. He has often emphasised that the role of a soldier guarding the nation’s borders and that of a farmer working in the fields is equally important, as both are dedicated to the nation. Reflecting this commitment, the State Government is working with sensitivity and determination for the welfare of farmers. The entire year is being observed as Krishak Kalyan Varsh. Addressing the Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Ashoknagar, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that a farmer represents self-reliance, as farmers alone possess the strength to fill the nation’s food basket and support their families as well as society through their efforts.
On the Chief Minister’s directions, the Balram Krishi Mahotsav has been launched to increase farmers’ incomes, improve their standard of living and promote their overall welfare. The district-level events feature demonstrations of advanced agricultural technologies and provide farmers with opportunities to directly interact with subject experts. Farmers are also being introduced to new technologies and market-oriented agricultural models. Information is being provided on digital agricultural services, weather-based farming, soil health management, drone technology, smart irrigation, advanced farm machinery and modern agricultural management systems. Agricultural experts are also educating farmers about new farming methods suited to changing climatic conditions and measures for risk management.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is also continuously encouraging farmers to create their Farmer ID, a key component of the Digital Agriculture Mission launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Similar to an Aadhaar card, the Farmer ID serves as a reliable digital identity for farmers. It is linked with various farmer-related data, including land records, livestock ownership, crops sown and benefits received under government schemes.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is also concerned about the adverse effects of excessive use of chemical inputs on farmers’ health. He has been consistently encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming. Natural farming is not merely a method of cultivation but a means of establishing harmony with nature. It helps increase agricultural productivity while conserving soil, water and the environment. It enhances the soil’s water-retention capacity, enabling good crop yields with less irrigation. At a time of climate change, natural farming is also an important effort to conserve water for future generations.
Natural farming provides relief to farmers from the rising costs associated with chemical-based agriculture and makes farming more profitable and sustainable. It reduces dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, lowers production costs and thereby increases net income. It is particularly beneficial for small farmers. By reducing the harmful effects of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, natural farming helps protect both agricultural fields and farmers in a toxin-free environment. Healthy farmers are the foundation of a prosperous nation.
