Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the State Government is committed to ensuring farmers' prosperity through future-oriented initiatives and development plans. Irrigation projects in the Narmada Valley have expanded agricultural activities into new areas of Malwa and Nimar. Similar efforts are underway to extend the benefits of agricultural development to farmers in the Satna and Katni regions. The Sleemanabad irrigation project has opened up new opportunities for farmers. Although Katni is known for its mineral resources, the State Government’s initiatives are paving the way for modern agricultural practices in the region. Farmers are moving beyond traditional agriculture and venturing into chia seed cultivation, Ashwagandha farming and cashew processing, which are encouraging signs.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav virtually addressed farmers at the Balram Krishi Mahotsav organised in Katni from Indore on Wednesday.
Immense Potential in Natural Farming, Organic Farming and Animal Husbandry
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central and State Governments are promoting animal husbandry alongside the expansion of natural and organic farming. During the Diwali festival, Govardhan Pooja celebrations will be accompanied by Gopal Krishna Gram Award competitions in the state's Vrindavan villages. Cash prizes will be awarded to owners of the best milk-producing cows. The first prize will be ₹1 lakh, the second prize ₹50,000 and the third prize ₹25,000. He said that animal husbandry and fisheries would be developed into prosperous sectors in the coming years.
Chief Minister Interacts with Progressive Farmers
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav interacted with progressive farmers from Katni about their innovations and other agricultural activities. During the interaction, farmer Shri Govind Patel from Bohariband, Katni, said that farmers were making significant progress in crop residue management. The Happy Seeder and Super Seeder machines were being used effectively for this purpose, with assistance provided by the State Government. Farmers applying for the scheme can receive a subsidy of ₹90,000 on new agricultural equipment costing up to ₹1.90 lakh. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed officials to identify suitable areas in the district and formulate a plan to provide agricultural machinery to farmers in those areas.
Sanket Navani Begins Cashew Processing in Katni
Farmer Shri Sanket Navani said that he had started cashew processing after receiving a subsidy of ₹10 lakh under the Central Government's Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. The venture had begun generating good profits, and he was now expanding his operations in grading, cutting and selling. Progressive farmer Shri Ramroop Patel from Katni said that he owned eight acres of agricultural land. He cultivates chillies and brinjal on one acre each, along with paddy, wheat and horticultural crops. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also held an encouraging interaction with farmer Shri Chandrabhan Kushwaha and other farmers from Katni.
