Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that his government has taken several steps in the interest of farmers and is continuously working to increase both crop production and farmers’ income through technology and innovation. He said natural farming is rapidly expanding in Singrauli's fertile land. Expressing happiness over the development, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that more than 3,000 farmers in the district have already adopted natural farming. He said that collective efforts would be made to transform Singrauli into a leading agricultural district. Known as the energy capital, Singrauli would now also be developed as a major centre of natural farming. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav virtually addressed the Balram Krishi Mahotsav organised in Singrauli district from the Chief Minister’s Residence on Friday. He also extended his greetings to farmers on Anant Chaturdashi.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that irrigation capacity in the state would be expanded to 10 million hectares. Food processing and value addition will be promoted, while the One District-One Product initiative will boost local production. He said animal husbandry and dairy would be made an integral part of the rural economy. The Chief Minister added that 100,000 farmers, youth and women associated with agriculture would be provided specialised training to create a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in the state.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Singrauli district, located at the confluence of the Son and Gopad rivers, is a leading producer of Shree Anna. Kodo and Sama are the major crops grown in the region. He said that the government had decided to procure Kodo-Kutki at the Minimum Support Price based on the initiative of farmers from Singrauli and Dindori.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav interacted with progressive farmers of Singrauli through video conference and enquired about their natural farming practices, Shree Anna production and, particularly, turmeric cultivation. The farmers said that natural farming using organic manure was more beneficial than conventional farming.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that farmers in Singrauli are now adopting new technologies and new crops alongside traditional farming. He said the district also has considerable potential in horticulture and food processing.Several new units, including flour mills, rice mills, oil mills, dairy product units, bakeries and food-processing facilities, have been established in the district. Feeder separation has been completed to ensure 10 hours of daytime power supply to farmers, which will further improve the availability of electricity for agricultural activities. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav appealed to farmers in the district to adopt crop diversification in their farming practices. He encouraged them to take up horticulture and natural farming and also engage in animal husbandry and fisheries.
At the main programme venue of the Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Singrauli, Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development Smt. Radha Singh, Sidhi-Singrauli Lok Sabha MP Dr. Rajesh Mishra and other public representatives also addressed the gathering. MLA Singrauli Shri Ramniwas Shah, Chairman of Vindhya Development Authority Shri Panchulal Prajapati, Shri Kapil Yarde, Shri Ram Lallan Singh, Shri Jaipal Singh, progressive farmers and a large number of farmers from across the district were present on the occasion.
