Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Thursday said the prosperity of farmers was central to the prosperity of the nation, asserting that his government was prioritising the welfare of the agricultural community by ensuring access to essential facilities and support.

Addressing the Balaram Krishi Mahotsav organised in Tikamgarh through video conference from his official residence in Bhopal, CM Dr Yadav said the approval of the Ken-Betwa Inter-State River Linking Project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi would prove transformative for the Bundelkhand region.

The project, he said, would help expand irrigation, increase agricultural production and ensure greater returns for farmers. “The landscape of Bundelkhand will change in the coming years,” the Chief Minister said, highlighting the potential of improved irrigation to strengthen the rural economy.

CM Dr Yadav also praised Tikamgarh’s brass artisans, describing them as an important part of the district’s identity. He said the work being undertaken in the agricultural sector in Tikamgarh was also emerging as an example for other districts.

He congratulated farmers, women and public representatives attending the festival and extended his greetings to them ahead of the upcoming festivals and celebrations.

CM praises farmers embracing modern agriculture

During the virtual interaction, Yadav spoke to farmers engaged in advanced and innovative agricultural practices and praised their hard work and willingness to experiment with new methods.

He congratulated Vishnu Sharma of Anantpura for his work in vegetable cultivation, polyhouse construction and running a cowshed.

Balchand Ahirwar told the Chief Minister that he was practising natural farming and had helped around 250 fellow farmers become associated with the initiative. Manohar Lodhi and Shashi Lodhi also shared their experiences of natural farming with CM Dr Yadav.

Jagdish Ahirwar spoke about flower cultivation and the production of crops including strawberries, watermelons, lemons and guavas across around 15 acres. He said he had received guidance from the Horticulture Department and was providing employment to nearly two dozen people. He also reared 15 cows and earned additional income through milk production.

Ramesh Yadav said he had been involved in seed production since 2005 and had developed the capacity to produce around three lakh quintals of seeds.

‘I have not seen a queen bee, but I am seeing my sister become a queen’

Sunita Bundela briefed the Chief Minister about her beekeeping enterprise, saying five centres were currently operational. She described the activity as labour-intensive but financially rewarding and explained the process and benefits of beekeeping in detail.

When the discussion turned to the role of the queen bee, CM Dr Yadav responded with a light-hearted remark, saying he had never seen a queen bee but was fortunate to see his “sister Sunita” becoming economically empowered through beekeeping and “turning into a queen”.

Public representatives thank CM

CM Dr Yadav also interacted with former minister Harishankar Khatik, Apex Bank administrator Mahendra Yadav and Captain Singh.

The representatives thanked the Chief Minister for decisions taken for farmers’ welfare and said the Balaram Krishi Mahotsav had been launched with the interests of farmers in mind.

In her welcome address, Saroj Rajput said the approval of the Ken-Betwa project and the organisation of an Investors’ Summit in Bundelkhand had created opportunities benefiting farmers as well as other sections of society.