Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has announced that a ₹3,800-crore McCain Foods project will be launched in Agar, creating employment opportunities for around 2,000 people. Addressing the Balaram Krishi Mahotsav virtually on October 9, he highlighted the district's agricultural potential, upcoming food-processing industries and initiatives aimed at increasing farmers' incomes.

The event was organised under the state's Krishak Kalyan Varsh (Year of Farmers' Welfare), providing a platform for discussions on agricultural activities, government welfare schemes, farming innovations and the needs of cultivators.

CM Dr Yadav said a ₹200-crore potato-processing industry was also being established at Lalukhedi in Agar-Malwa district. With the new facility, farmers in the district are expected to take up potato cultivation alongside those in Lalukhedi, strengthening the local agricultural economy.

Potato Processing, Dairy and Renewable Energy in Focus

Highlighting the district's agricultural diversity, the Chief Minister said oranges grown in Agar and Susner were being supplied across the country. He also praised local livestock farmers for their contribution to cattle rearing and said Agar was known for its organic milk production.

CM Dr Yadav added that milk production in Madhya Pradesh would increase further, while the Sanchi dairy brand was also expanding.

The district, he noted, had developed a distinct identity in solar and wind energy. Madhya Pradesh had adequate electricity, sufficient water for irrigation and a road network extending across approximately five lakh kilometres, providing important infrastructure for agricultural and industrial growth.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would procure wheat at ₹2,700 per quintal by 2027.

Cash Prizes to Promote Cattle Rearing

CM Dr Yadav said Agar had earned recognition for its contribution to cow protection and care. More than 20,000 cattle were being looked after at the Salaria cow sanctuary and other gaushalas in the district.

The government provides financial assistance of ₹40 per cattle head per day to gaushalas for their upkeep, he said. To encourage cattle rearing, the government will organise competitions under its cattle-rearing awards scheme. The first-place winner from each development block will receive ₹1 lakh, while the second- and third-place winners will be awarded ₹50,000 and ₹25,000, respectively.

Natural Farming Gains Momentum

During the virtual interaction, CM Dr Yadav spoke with progressive farmers, including Radheshyam Parihar from Binayaga-Barod, who practises natural and organic farming, and Rohit Sharma from Akhakhedi-Tanodiya, who cultivates pigeon peas using natural farming methods.

The Chief Minister discussed their agricultural practices and the benefits they had experienced.

Member of Parliament Rodmal Nagar said farming was increasingly becoming an enterprise capable of generating better returns for cultivators. He added that young people from farming families were showing interest in agriculture even after pursuing higher education.

State Kisan Morcha president Jaipal Singh Chawda, Apex Bank administrator Mahendra Singh Yadav and MLA Madhu Gehlot also addressed the gathering.

Progressive Farmers and Meritorious Students Honoured

The programme concluded with the felicitation of outstanding and progressive farmers, meritorious students from farming families and ex-servicemen. Certificates of appreciation were presented to recognise their contributions and achievements.

Exhibitions set up by various government departments showcased developments in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and modern farm machinery, highlighting opportunities to improve productivity and diversify rural livelihoods.