"Farmers are backbone of state's economy," says MP CM Yadav

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 18 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday attended "Kisan Abhar Sammelan" at CM House in Bhopal and shared information about the state government's farmer-centric policies.
Addressing the occasion, CM Yadav said, farmers are the "backbone of Madhya Pradesh's economy and their welfare is the state government's "top priority."
'Every decision of the government is taken keeping farmers' interests in mind, and all necessary measures will continue to be taken for their well-being. The state government is committed to strengthening farmers' financial condition by increasing their income through every possible means," he said.
The CM highlighted that the 'Bhavantar' scheme protects farmers against fluctuations in market prices and is a major initiative for their welfare.
"If a dry field is given water, the crop shines like gold. The government will ensure water reaches every field in the state. Farmers, who are now becoming energy providers along with food providers, are encouraged to install solar pumps in their fields. The installation of solar pumps will free them from the recurring costs of temporary electricity connections," he said.
"Farmers will now receive a 90% subsidy on the installation of solar power pumps, instead of the earlier 40%," the CM added.
Yadav, highlighting farmers' contribution, said that agriculture accounts for over 39% of the state's GDP. Madhya Pradesh ranks among the top states in foodgrain, pulse, oilseed, fruit, and vegetable production, and stands first in the production of oranges, spices, garlic, ginger, and coriander. The state is second in peas, onions, chillies and guavas, and third in floriculture and medicinal plants. Madhya Pradesh has now earned the titles of Soybean State, Millets State, Spices State, Garlic State and Orange State, making it the "Food Basket of India," he said.
He emphasised that water is as precious as nectar for farming, and conserving it is essential.
The government is implementing three major river-linking projects to provide sustainable irrigation: the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project with Rajasthan for Bundelkhand and Chambal regions, the Ken-Betwa project with Uttar Pradesh for Bundelkhand, and the Tapti Mega Recharge Project with Maharashtra.
He said the Narmada River is a boon for the state's farmers.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that 32 lakh solar pumps are being provided to farmers at a 90% subsidy. Farmers can install solar pumps up to 5 HP, reduce electricity costs, and sell surplus electricity to the government. Under the current administration, irrigated area in the state has increased to 52 lakh hectares, with a target of expanding it to 100 lakh hectares. Food processing units are also being established so that farmers can get fair prices without having to discard excess produce.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, the Bhavantar Scheme is benefitting farmers by bridging the gap between the market price and the government's minimum support price (MSP). Farmers cultivate crops selflessly to feed the nation and that earlier governments had neglected the utilization of Narmada waters, which today serve irrigation, drinking, and industrial needs, he added.
CM Yadav further said, "The government is emphasising faster, transparent implementation of schemes to make farmers self-reliant and strengthen service delivery. Farmers' prosperity is the foundation of our development. The inclusion of soybeans under the Bhavantar Scheme ensures that farmers receive compensation for the difference between the MSP and the market price. This scheme is not just a program but a bond of trust between the government and farmers. Our commitment is that the farmer receives his rightful due before his sweat dries."
Additionally, Minister of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Edal Singh Kanshana said the government is determined to support farmers by providing them with benefits and compensation through welfare schemes. The Bhavantar Scheme will prove to be a blessing for farmers.
Around 3,000 farmers from Narmadapuram, Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Raisen, and Vidisha districts attended the conference, which aimed to inform them about the Bhavantar Payment Scheme and encourage maximum participation. (ANI)