Amit Sharma JHABUA ABHI TAK
Jhabua:= Addressing farmers virtually during the Balram Krishi Mahotsav, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav emphasized that modern technology, natural farming, water conservation, and expanded irrigation will drive the state's agricultural growth to new heights. He praised Jhabua district for its achievements in agriculture, Kadaknath poultry farming, natural farming, and the tomato processing model, while announcing the upgradation of the Bamaniya Primary Health Centre from 6 to 30 beds.
The Chief Minister said that Jhabua is known for its rich tribal culture and strong agricultural traditions. Under the National Mission on Natural Farming, 50 "Krishi Sakhis" have been selected in the district, and natural farming is being practiced on 3,125 acres. He added that under the One District-One Product (ODOP) initiative, Kadaknath chicken has gained national and international recognition, with over 1,000 new beneficiaries added during 2025.
Dr. Yadav stated that cotton sowing in Jhabua during the Kharif 2026 season has increased by nearly 16 percent compared to the previous year. He also highlighted the Petlawad tomato processing unit, solar dryer technology, and scientific farming practices as important contributors to increasing farmers' income.
Describing the Narmada-Jhabua-Petlawad-Thandla Micro Lift Irrigation Project as a historic initiative, he said it would irrigate around 32,000 hectares of land and benefit nearly 50,000 farmers upon completion.
The Chief Minister urged farmers to adopt natural farming and informed them about several government initiatives, including interest-free agricultural loans up to ₹3 lakh, electricity connections at ₹5, and dairy development schemes. He also announced that ₹1,460.25 crore in crop insurance claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana had been transferred to the bank accounts of 10.54 lakh farmers across Madhya Pradesh.
During the programme, beneficiaries received assistance under various schemes related to natural farming, irrigation, animal husbandry, horticulture, Kisan Credit Cards, and farm mechanisation. Meritorious Class 10 students and social media influencers recognized for their positive contributions were also felicitated.
The Mahotsav featured exhibitions by the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Engineering, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the National Oilseeds Mission, and women's Self-Help Groups. Informative videos on natural farming, farm mechanisation, and government schemes, along with cultural performances, attracted significant attention.
The event was attended by Collector Dr. Yogesh Tukaram Bharsat, Superintendent of Police Devendra Patidar, District Panchayat CEO Jitendra Singh Chauhan, Additional Collector C.S. Solanki, public representatives, and a large number of farmers.
