Implementation of Ken-Betwa Link Project Will Bring Prosperity to the Bundelkhand Region: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Bhopal. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Panna is the city of Maharaja Chhatrasal and Lord Shri Jugal Kishore. It is the only land where diamonds are found, and the world-famous Panna National Park has witnessed a significant increase in the number of tigers due to tiger reintroduction. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav virtually addressed the 28th Balaram Agriculture Festival of the state organized in Panna on Sunday. He said that the Bundelkhand region has received several major gifts, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project. This will bring prosperity to the region and bring changes in the standard of living of citizens. Today, the women beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna Yojana will also receive the 40th installment.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, which will be conducted for one month from September 17 on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, will be launched. On October 7, Prime Minister Modi will complete 25 years as an efficient administrator. He said that this is a moment of honour and pride for all of us. He said that the successful organization of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi has enhanced India’s prestige in the world. Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country is continuously progressing. Today, the Central and State Governments are implementing several welfare schemes in the interest of farmers. He said that the organization of the Balaram Festival will greatly benefit farmers. A large number of farmers will benefit from information about modern agriculture and innovative technologies provided by agricultural scientists. Through several minor irrigation projects, including Pawई Dam, Majhgawan and Runjh, farmers will benefit from irrigation facilities on a large scale. The Chief Minister appealed to farmers to adopt horticulture farming and also encouraged them to promote natural farming. He emphasized adopting animal husbandry and other activities as opportunities for additional income. He also mentioned various development works and informed about the increase in the amount provided for gaushalas. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, rural needy persons will also get the facility of free registration. In the future, this scheme will also be implemented in urban areas. With a view to promoting tourism, the Chief Minister also spoke about promoting activities such as homestays. He also assured farmers that 10 hours of electricity would be provided during the day for irrigation. He also sought information from the farmers present regarding the benefits of the Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Interacted with Progressive Farmers and Appreciated Their Work

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav interacted with progressive farmers of the district during the Balaram Agriculture Festival programme and appreciated their work. Woman farmer Kavita Rani from Shahpur Khurd village said that she has been continuously practicing natural farming since 2019. At present, she is also teaching advanced farming techniques to people from six villages through training. Apart from this, she also explains ways to increase income through low-cost agriculture. The woman farmer also informed about the continuous support and guidance received from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Panna. On this occasion, the Chief Minister sought information about the process of planting paddy. Rajkamal Sharma, a resident of Dhami Mohalla, Panna, provided information about the start-up launched in the agriculture sector. Progressive farmer Subrat Malik from Jaruwapur informed the Chief Minister about increasing income through horticulture farming. Nathu Prasad Yadav, a beneficiary of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, informed about successfully carrying out dairy business activities after purchasing a Murrah buffalo under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana.

Also Discussed with Public Representatives

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also interacted with local public representatives, including the district in-charge minister and MLAs. During the programme, Panna MLA and former Cabinet Minister Brijendra Pratap Singh provided information about better work being done in the agriculture sector. He also requested an increase in targets for the development of gaushalas and promotion of milk production and animal husbandry activities. Gunaur MLA Dr. Rajesh Kumar Verma spoke about organic farming in Shyamardada village. He also spoke about conducting a survey of crop losses caused by excessive rainfall and distributing compensation. District Panchayat President Meena Raje, District Panchayat Vice-President Santosh Yadav, former District Panchayat President Raviraj Yadav, Municipal Council President Meena Pandey, Apex Bank Administrator Mahendra Singh Yadav and Kisan Morcha President Pradeep Awasthi also interacted with Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed the District Collector to conduct a crop survey in areas affected by excessive rainfall and resolve other problems faced by farmers. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that at present, the public is also being benefited through camps under the Jan Vishwas Abhiyan being conducted in rural and urban areas.

Organization of Agriculture Festival is a Historic Decision: In-charge Minister

Higher Education, Technical Education and AYUSH Minister and Panna district in-charge minister Inder Singh Parmar, while addressing the programme, said that the Balaram Agriculture Festival is a historic decision in the interest of farmers. This will bring widespread change and transformation in agriculture and the lives of farmers. The Madhya Pradesh Government is farmer-friendly and is the first state in the country to implement welfare policies and schemes in the interest of farmers. In-charge Minister and chief guest Parmar was presented a plough as a symbolic gift. He said that the year 2026 is being observed as the Year of Farmer Welfare. Under this, important information is also being provided to farmers through various innovations and awareness activities. A commendable initiative has also been taken to provide loans for Rabi and Kharif crops through cooperatives, along with repayment of loans. He appealed to all farmers to celebrate the Balaram Agriculture Festival with great enthusiasm.

Outstanding Farmers and Meritorious Students Honoured

During the programme, outstanding farmers and meritorious students were honoured by the guests. At the district-level programme, artists presented attractive cultural programmes, folk dances and patriotic songs. Senior agricultural scientists provided useful information on advanced agriculture to farmers. The programme began with the lighting of the lamp and garlanding of the portrait of Lord Balaram. At the venue, information about departmental schemes was provided to farmers through exhibitions organized by the Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development, Horticulture and Food Processing, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Fisheries, Rural Livelihood Mission, Agricultural Engineering and other departments. In addition, advanced agricultural machinery was also demonstrated.