Rohan Umak
MP Unnat Krishi Mahotsav: The Unnat Krishi Mahotsav 2026 kicked off in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district on Saturday, aimed at offering farmers a comprehensive roadmap from seed to market. The event will be held for three days and will bring together scientists, cultivators and policymakers under one platform.
Dignitaries attend programme
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan marked their presence at the event. The farmers present on the occasion were apprised of modern agricultural practices through a wide range of stalls focusing on seeds, horticulture, fertilisers and irrigation management. An ‘e-forms’ mobile application was also launched during this to streamline access to agricultural services. Moreover, beneficiaries of various government schemes also received assistance during the programme.
MP Unnat Krishi Mahotsav: CM highlights state’s agricultural growth
Addressing the gathering, CM Dr Yadav said India has gained a unique global identity under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. He added that the foundation stone for BEML’s first rail coach factory in Madhya Pradesh had been laid at the hands of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and termed it a significant milestone for the state.
He went on to say that both farmers and soldiers hold equal importance in India, noting that the country’s foodgrain exports have doubled. He added that Raisen district alone exports Basmati rice to 47 countries.
In his further statements, he said the state government is procuring wheat at Rs 2625/quintal, including a bonus of Rs 40, so that the farmers can avail better returns. Declaring 2026 as ‘Kisaan Kalyan Varsh,’ the Chief Minister said the state government remains committed to sustained agricultural development.
Defence Minister Singh weighs in too
Defence Minister Singh then assumed charge of the podium, and said the initiative would help improve farmers’ livelihoods. He underlined that farmers are the backbone of the Indian economy and the government is ensuring better market access without middlemen.
He also shed light on the importance of soil health cards, increased Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) and encouraged youth to begin with agri-startups to support farmers and reduce dependency on intermediaries.
Minister Chouhan lays focus on innovation, horticulture
Thereafter, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the event represents a confluence of knowledge, farming and science. He maintained that increasing farmers’ income is essential for the nation’s development and food security.
He revealed plans to elevate MP as a horticulture hub, with initiatives spanning from farming to food processing. He then announced that the Union Government will establish 55 pulse mills in the state, and will procure the pulses at MSP, to strengthen the agricultural economy.
