Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday inaugurated the Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Indore by unveiling a portrait of Lord Balram, reaffirming the Madhya Pradesh government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and improving farmers' livelihoods.

Addressing a gathering at the inaugural event, the Chief Minister said the state had dedicated 2026 as the 'Farmer Welfare Year' and introduced a series of farmer-centric initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and rural prosperity.

Event to be observed for upcoming 6 months

The state’s top political leader announced that the Balram Krishi Mahotsav would be celebrated across the state over the next six months through a series of programmes. To ensure holistic development of the farming community, the government has prepared a comprehensive action plan by bringing together 16 departments, including Horticulture and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

The initiative seeks to create new opportunities for farmers and increase their income through coordinated efforts.

During the event, the Chief Minister felicitated progressive farmers, social media influencers producing agriculture-based content, and students who secured top positions in board examinations.

Govt focused on agriculture, industrial growth

Highlighting the state's development agenda, CM Dr Yadav said that under the guidance of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, 2025 had been dedicated to industry and employment, with industrial programmes organised at divisional, district and tehsil headquarters. He claimed Madhya Pradesh was witnessing rapid industrial expansion, with several leading business groups establishing manufacturing units across the state.

Calling Madhya Pradesh the "maternal home of rivers", the Chief Minister said more than 250 rivers flow through the state. He credited his government with ensuring the supply of Narmada water to Indore and criticised previous administrations for neglecting long-pending development projects. Referring to the Narmada Valley Project, he said the plan had been prepared in 1977 but remained dormant for years before gaining momentum under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

Better prices and expanded Irrigation for farmers

CM Dr Yadav said Madhya Pradesh had significantly strengthened its irrigation network, with the irrigated area increasing from nearly 7.5 lakh hectares to 65 lakh hectares, including an addition of around 10 lakh hectares over the past two-and-a-half years. He stated that the availability of irrigation had transformed agricultural productivity and assured farmers of better returns for their produce.

The Chief Minister noted that the procurement price of wheat had reached Rs 2,625 per quintal, while soybean growers had also benefited from the state's Bhavantar Scheme. He added that the government was ensuring remunerative prices for agricultural produce through various support measures.

Integrated ecosystem from farms to markets

The Chief Minister said the state government was working towards creating a seamless agricultural ecosystem connecting farms, processing units and markets. He announced that food processing units were being established to encourage value addition and promote agriculture-based industries.

He also highlighted major irrigation projects, including the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project for the Bundelkhand region and the Parvati-Chambal-Kalisindh (PKC) Project, which is expected to provide adequate water to 13 districts in western Madhya Pradesh, including Indore.

CM Dr Yadav continued by saying that multinational companies were investing in the state, citing PepsiCo's unit in Ujjain, which is expected to benefit potato growers across 32 districts. He also announced that buses would be introduced under the Chief Minister Sugam Transport Scheme to improve public transportation and connectivity across the state.

Push for dairy farming to enhance rural income

Emphasising livestock development as a key source of additional income, the Chief Minister said the government aimed to increase the state's milk production contribution from 8 per cent to 20 per cent. Under the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme, the government is providing subsidies of up to Rs 10 lakh for establishing dairy units worth Rs 40 lakh.

He added that large-scale cow shelters had been established across the state, with financial assistance of Rs 40 per cow being provided. The government also plans to use modern technology to capture stray cattle damaging crops and relocate them to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.