Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has announced that farmers across Madhya Pradesh will now be able to obtain a permanent electricity connection for just ₹5. He directed the immediate rollout of this initiative in the central region, with plans for gradual implementation throughout the state. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to farmers, Dr. Yadav stated that efforts are being made to make them self-reliant in electricity production through solar pumps. Over the next three years, 30 lakh solar pumps will be distributed, allowing farmers to generate their own electricity and eliminating their electricity bills. Each year, 10 lakh connections will be provided. Additionally, the government is working to ensure a 24-hour power supply for farmers, with provisions to purchase surplus electricity generated through solar energy, paying them directly in cash.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav made these remarks at the Kisan Aabhar Sammelan (Farmers’ Gratitude Conference), held at his residence, where farmers from different regions welcomed him with floral showers. As a mark of honor, he was presented with traditional gifts, including a safa (turban), garlands, shawls, sacred coconuts, and symbolic replicas of bullock carts and plows. Hoshangabad MP Shri Darshan Singh Chaudhary also gifted Ram Darbar mementos to dignitaries present.
Support for Farmers Through Incentives and Subsidies
The Chief Minister assured the gathering that the state government continues to work in the best interests of farmers. He highlighted key initiatives, including:
- Wheat procurement at ₹2,600 per quintal, which includes a ₹175 bonus, a significant rise from the ₹447 per quintal rate in 2003-04.
- A ₹4,000 per hectare incentive for paddy procurement in 2024.
- Conversion of temporary electricity connections to permanent ones at reduced costs, with farmers using 3 HP pumps paying just 5% of the cost, and those with 5 to 7.5 HP pumps contributing 10%.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, various initiatives have been introduced to support farmers. He pointed to the free food grain distribution scheme, benefiting over 100 crore people until 2028, at an expenditure of ₹2 lakh crore, as an example of the government’s commitment to ensuring social welfare.
Diversification in Agriculture & Boost to Organic Farming
Encouraging farmers to adopt crop diversification, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav urged a shift from paddy cultivation to groundnuts and other natural crops, positioning Madhya Pradesh as a leader in organic farming. He also noted the importance of the GIS Bhopal Summit, which highlighted the contributions of farmers and the potential of agricultural investments.
Additionally, the state is set to witness a revolution in cotton production, with textile mills employing farmers’ family members receiving a ₹5,000 bonus. To strengthen agriculture-based industries, the government will provide bonuses for milk production, similar to the incentives for wheat and paddy. Farmers with over 10 cows will receive subsidies, while village-level dairy farming and cattle rearing will be promoted with financial assistance.
Further support will be extended to gaushalas (cow shelters), with subsidies increasing from ₹20 per cow to ₹40 per cow. Large cow shelters with a 10,000-animal capacity will be established in cities like Bhopal to house stray and elderly cows.
Advancing Agriculture Through Modern Technology
To introduce farmers to advanced farming equipment and high-quality seeds, district-level agricultural fairs will be organized. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also highlighted major irrigation projects under PM Modi’s River Linking Initiative, including:
- Ken-Betwa Link Project (₹1 lakh crore)
- Chambal-Kali Sindh-Parvati Link Project (₹70,000 crore)
- A third river-linking project on the Tapti River in collaboration with Maharashtra
Reaffirming the crucial role of farmers, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described them as not just food providers but life-givers, praising PM Modi and former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee for prioritizing rural development. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “To understand India, one must understand its villages.” He emphasized that empowering farmers is essential for India’s overall progress.
Farmers’ Gratitude and Government’s Commitment
Expressing their appreciation, farmers personally visited the Chief Minister’s residence to thank him for the government’s farmer-centric policies. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav encouraged them to embrace modern agricultural techniques and take full advantage of government schemes to ensure a prosperous future.
Leaders’ Endorsements and Participation
Agriculture Minister Shri Edal Singh Kanshana described farmers as the backbone of India’s economy and credited Chief Minister Dr. Yadav s leadership for positioning Madhya Pradesh as a leading agricultural state.
Food & Civil Supplies Minister Shri Govind Singh Rajput commended the CM for prioritizing farmers through wheat and paddy procurement policies. Khajuraho MP Shri V.D. Sharma lauded the Kisan Morcha’s initiative to express gratitude to the Chief Minister, calling it a historic decision that has brought joy to farming families.
An exhibition showcasing government initiatives in energy, horticulture, food supply, and agricultural development was also held at the event.
The occasion was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishwas Sarang, Backward Classes & Minority Welfare Minister Smt. Krishna Gaur, MLA Shri Rameshwar Sharma, and Bhopal Municipal Corporation President Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, along with a large gathering of farmers. Their presence highlighted the significance of the event and reinforced the government’s unwavering support for farmer welfare and agricultural progress in Madhya Pradesh.