Agriculture is the backbone of economy and culture: MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav

Emphasising India’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage, Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said that farming not only provides livelihood but also enables people to live in harmony with nature.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the ‘Krishi Manthan’ workshop at Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University in Jabalpur, the Chief Minister said agriculture has always held a place of pride in Indian culture and that the country’s fertile land “produces food like gold”.

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He informed that the state is celebrating a year-long Krishi Utsav under the theme ‘Samriddh Kisan – Samriddh Madhya Pradesh’.

Recalling India’s past struggles with food shortages, Yadav noted that advances in agricultural science have led to the development of new crop varieties and a significant increase in production. He added that the state government is committed to making farming more profitable.

“The government is not limited to providing basic facilities to farmers. We are empowering them with modern technology, scientific farming methods and better market linkages,” he said, adding that the ‘Krishi Manthan’ workshop aims to bring together farmers’ experience, scientific innovation, government policy and market opportunities on a single platform.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated and dedicated development works worth ₹23.21 crore. He distributed approval letters worth over ₹10 crore to 10 agri-startups funded by the Government of India and presented a certificate awarded to the university by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority for its work in protecting farmers’ rights.

He also launched the ‘Krishi Sakhi’ Training Programme and distributed benefits under various government schemes.

Highlighting the state’s agricultural achievements, Yadav said Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the leading producer of pulses in the country, calling it a matter of pride. He added that the state is also making rapid progress in the production of oilseeds and food grains, with many farmers now adopting a third crop cycle.

To boost productivity, the government plans to provide improved seed varieties and promote integrated farming, including livestock, horticulture, food processing and the use of modern equipment, with the aim of doubling farmers’ income.

The Chief Minister noted that the area under natural farming has increased significantly, making Madhya Pradesh the state with the largest such coverage in India.

He also highlighted the role of dairy in augmenting farmers’ income, stating that agriculture and animal husbandry go hand in hand. “Madhya Pradesh currently contributes around 9 per cent to the country’s milk production, and we aim to increase this to 20 per cent,” he said.

To promote nutrition, the state government has decided to distribute free milk packets to students from Classes 1 to 8 in government schools. It is also encouraging the establishment of food processing units across the state.

Yadav added that scientists are focusing on improving the nutritional value of crops and noted that Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest wheat production in the country.