Reaffirming his government's commitment to farmers' welfare, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Thursday said agriculture is not merely a means of sustaining farming households but also a vital driver of employment and industrial growth. Addressing the Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Burhanpur via video conferencing, the Chief Minister said the state government is accelerating a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the prosperity, dignity and well-being of farmers during the Farmer Welfare Year 2026, under the guidance of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.

MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav addressing farmers virtually

He said the agricultural festival has been organised to provide farmers with both essential services and modern facilities. Urging cultivators to embrace innovation, Dr Yadav encouraged them to adopt advanced farming techniques, natural farming, organic cultivation and horticulture-based agriculture to enhance their income and achieve long-term sustainability.

Agriculture fuels employment beyond the farm

Highlighting the wider economic significance of agriculture, the Chief Minister said farming supports much more than individual farming families. According to him, the sector supplies raw materials to a wide range of industries while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for young people across multiple sectors.

He said the state government has prepared a comprehensive action plan in coordination with 16 departments under the Farmer Welfare Year initiative. District-level Balram Krishi Mahotsavs are being organised across Madhya Pradesh to improve farmers' prosperity and help raise their incomes. CM Dr Yadav noted that the campaign was launched from Indore, the land associated with Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also transferred compensation directly into the bank accounts of banana growers who had suffered crop losses through a single-click digital transfer.

Preparations ordered for Kanwar pilgrims

Extending greetings to the people of the state on the commencement of the holy month of Shravan, CM Dr Yadav said district collectors have been instructed to make all necessary arrangements well in advance for Kanwar Yatra devotees wherever the pilgrimage will take place across the state.

He said the administration would ensure that devotees receive all essential facilities and support throughout the religious period.

Banana-based products bring global recognition to Burhanpur

Describing Burhanpur as one of Madhya Pradesh's prominent horticulture hubs, the Chief Minister said the region, blessed by the Tapti River, is renowned for its high-quality bananas, turmeric and cotton. He also praised the district's tradition of communal harmony, saying its spirit of coexistence is reflected in its agricultural practices.

CM Dr Yadav highlighted that Burhanpur has emerged as a centre for diverse industries, ranging from textiles and pharmaceuticals to furniture and pipe manufacturing. To support cotton growers, the state government has reduced the mandi tax on cotton by half, a long-standing demand that first originated from Burhanpur. He said the decision has benefited cotton farmers across the state.

He further noted that Burhanpur has received national recognition for banana processing. Beyond fruit production, banana fibre is now being used to manufacture textiles and decorative products. The sale of these value-added products through e-commerce platforms has helped establish Burhanpur's identity in markets across India and overseas.

PM MITRA park, irrigation and telecom investment to boost growth

The Chief Minister said farmers in Burhanpur have increasingly diversified their cropping patterns, while cotton cultivation continues to strengthen both the handloom and powerloom sectors. He added that farmers from the district would also benefit from the upcoming PM MITRA Park in Dhar, enabling greater opportunities in textile manufacturing and value addition.

CM Dr Yadav said Burhanpur is steadily transforming from a supplier of raw agricultural produce into a hub for processing, exports and value-added manufacturing. He added that several irrigation projects are underway in the district, increasing irrigated land, while the government's commitment remains focused on ensuring water reaches every farm.

He also announced that the Madhya Pradesh government is working jointly with Maharashtra on the Tapti Mega Recharge Project. In another major development, he said an MoU between the Union Government and the Madhya Pradesh Government would be signed in New Delhi to establish Gwalior as a manufacturing zone for the telecom sector. The initiative, he said, would create employment opportunities for the youth while strengthening market prospects and better price realisation for the state's farmers.