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Bhopal, October 18 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday unveiled an ambitious plan to double the state’s irrigated land to one crore hectares by 2028-29. The officers provided this information.
Speaking at an event organized at his official residence, CM Yadav highlighted the unprecedented pace of crop damage compensation, especially for soybeans destroyed by excessive rains and yellow mosaic virus, as a testament to the farmer-centric ethos of the BJP government.
Criticizing the reliance on diesel pumps due to inconsistent electricity, he said, “The data on Google and mobile phones testifies to this.”
Claiming that Madhya Pradesh ranks second in national wheat production, the Chief Minister said the BJP-led state government is aiming to procure 80 lakh tonnes and step up irrigation, adding that these reforms promise immediate relief and long-term agricultural resilience, potentially marking 2025 as a landmark year for the state’s agricultural future.
In a rousing address to farmers amid the harvest season, Chief Minister Yadav celebrated a paradigm shift in farm assistance, and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for transforming the state’s farmer welfare ecosystem.
Chief Minister Shri Yadav highlighted projects like Teriya Nala Dam and Sondwa Micro Lift.
Criticizing the Congress for neglecting the welfare of farmers in the state, Chief Minister Yadav’s speech combined the resolve with pride, calling farmers the backbone of the country.
“You have changed the system,” he declared, applauding the seamless delivery of aid.
“Traditionally mired in bureaucratic delays – assessing losses over vast areas only after the season – the new mechanism ensures funds reach farmers’ bank accounts even before the entire harvest takes place.”
“During October, the state has already paid Rs 653 crore to 8.84 lakh farmers from 3,554 villages, covering losses in 6.53 lakh hectares. From Shivpuri to remote districts, soybean growers affected by yellowing and poor yields due to the virus are receiving direct bank transfers, bypassing the age-old wait,” the chief minister said.
He said the revival of the Bhavantar Payment Scheme, approved on October 14, protects producers by compensating the difference between market prices and the minimum support price of Rs 5,328 per quintal.
“Registration through the Madhya Pradesh Kisan App and e-Produce portal began on October 10, allowing sales from October 24, 2025, to January 15, 2026, with the state government meeting the shortfall for eligible farmers.”
“This is not just policy – it is sentiment,” Chief Minister Yadav said.
Turning to wheat, Chief Minister Yadav announced Rs 2,600 per quintal as the state’s highest procurement price across the country for the 2025-26 Rabi season – a bonus of Rs 175 over the central government’s MSP of Rs 2,425.
“Announced in February and launched in 4,000 mandis on March 15, it has led to procurement of over 2.7 million tonnes by mid-April, establishing Madhya Pradesh as the second largest contributor to the central share after Punjab.”
Recalling his government’s election manifesto commitments, Chief Minister Yadav explained how the initial hike of Rs 2,425 was reduced to Rs 2,600 after discussions with farmers and rivals were overruled.
“We promised Rs 2,700; we are delivering step-by-step,” he said, comparing it to wheat’s historical lows – Rs 100 per quintal in 1956, Rs 500 by 2005.
While praising BJP leaders like Uma Bharti, Babulal Gaur and Shivraj Singh Chouhan for elevating “farmer sons” including himself to leadership, the Chief Minister criticized the Congress for never elevating him to the post of Chief Minister himself.
“What can’t a farmer’s child achieve?” he asked, portraying the farmers as “pure-hearted sons of Balarama” who toil in sun, hail and flood to feed the country, finding joy in plowing rather than weapons. Still, Chief Minister Yadav was not deterred by broader challenges. Surrounded by more than 250 rivers, including the mighty Narmada, Madhya Pradesh squandered its potential for a long time under previous regimes. The Narmada Valley Plan, once ridiculed as “impossible”, is now creating history. From only seven lakh irrigated hectares at the time of the state’s formation in 1956, the coverage has increased to 50 lakh today due to BJP-led expansion. Major projects like Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar Dam – 90 per cent complete – promise 1.23 lakh and 1.47 lakh hectares more, respectively. The Narmada Valley Development Authority aims to fully utilize the state’s 18.25 million acre feet of water by 2025, with 29 major, 135 medium and 3,000 minor schemes on track.”
–IANS
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