CM Mohan Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh’s strong agricultural foundation and sustainable development policies are drawing global investors’ attention. During the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in Bhopal, investment proposals exceeding ₹4,000 crore were made in agriculture, food processing, and dairy production. Dr. Yadav termed this a major milestone for the state’s green and white revolution, emphasizing that these investments will play a crucial role in fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global “food basket.”
Madhya Pradesh Leads in Organic Farming
Madhya Pradesh has already established itself as the country’s largest organic farming state, contributing 40% of India’s total organic cultivation. The government aims to expand organic farming from 17 lakh hectares to 20 lakh hectares, supporting farmers with free solar pumps to encourage eco-friendly production. The horticulture sector has also witnessed significant growth, with the area under cultivation increasing from 27 lakh hectares to 32 lakh hectares, directly benefiting fruit and vegetable producers.
Madhya Pradesh on Track to Become a Dairy Hub
The state has emerged as a key player in India’s dairy sector, currently contributing 9% to the country’s total milk production. Aiming to boost this figure to 20%, Madhya Pradesh is strengthening its dairy industry, with the Sanchi brand gaining prominence in national and international markets. Presently, the state produces 591 lakh kilos of milk daily, making it the third-largest dairy producer in the country.
Growing Investments in Food Processing
A special session on the “Seed-to-Shelf” theme was held during GIS-Bhopal, where investors recognized Madhya Pradesh’s vast potential in food processing. The state is developing eight food parks, two mega food parks, five agro-processing clusters, and a logistics park. Under the Prime Minister Micro Food Processing Scheme, ₹930 crore has been approved to support this sector. More than 70 large-scale industries and 3,800 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are already operational, enhancing agricultural product processing.
Expanding Agriculture Through Irrigation Projects
Madhya Pradesh has significantly expanded its irrigated land, increasing from just 3 lakh hectares in 2003 to 50 lakh hectares today. The government has set a target of extending irrigation to 1 crore hectares by 2028-29 through projects on major rivers such as Narmada, Chambal, Tapti, Betwa, Son, Kshipra, Kalisindh, and Tawa.
Employment Growth Through GIS-Bhopal
The ₹4,000 crore investment in the food processing sector through GIS-Bhopal is expected to generate over 8,000 jobs in the state. The expansion of food processing industries will help farmers secure better prices for their produce, further strengthening the state’s economy.
With substantial investments in agriculture, organic farming, food processing, and dairy production, Madhya Pradesh is set to take significant strides toward becoming the nation’s “food basket,” marking a new era of development in the state.