Madhya Pradesh Agricultural Transformation: Boosting Farmers’ Income with MSP, Irrigation, Solar Energy, and Horticulture Growth

Madhya Pradesh's Minister for Farmers' Welfare and Agriculture Development, Shri Edal Singh Kanshana, has announced that the Kisan Kalyan Mission aims to increase farmers' income and make agriculture a profitable business. To promote natural farming and encourage farmers, the state government has established the Madhya Pradesh Natural Farming Development Board.

Thousands of Farmers Registered, Assistance Centers in Every Village:

To facilitate farmers adopting natural farming, the government has launched an online portal, where 72,967 farmers have already registered. Additionally, PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras will be set up in every gram panchayat, providing farmers with all agricultural services in one place.

Government Schemes Benefiting Farmers:

1. Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana: Over 81 lakh farmers received more than ₹4,000 crore in financial aid last year.
2. Rani Durgavati Shree Ann Promotion Scheme: Farmers are being provided assistance of ₹1,000 per quintal, up to a maximum of ₹3,900 per hectare.
3. Zero-Interest Crop Loans: A provision of ₹600 crore has been made for interest-free short-term crop loans this year.
4. Bonus on Wheat Procurement: A bonus of ₹125 per quintal was provided for wheat purchased at the minimum support price (MSP).

MSP for Soybean Brings Relief to Farmers: For the first time, the Madhya Pradesh government set the MSP for soybean at ₹4,892 per quintal. Nearly 2 lakh farmers benefitted, receiving payments exceeding ₹3,000 crore for soybean procurement.

Expansion of Seeds, Fertilizers, and Irrigation Facilities:

The Kharif 2024 season, more than 1.23 lakh quintals of certified seeds were distributed. The number of fertilizer supply centers was increased, and strict action was taken against the sale of substandard fertilizers. Fertilizer quality control laboratories have also been made more efficient to ensure the availability of high-quality fertilizers for farmers.
To further boost agriculture, farmers will be encouraged to cultivate high-value crops, and the irrigated land area is set to increase from 50 lakh hectares to 1 crore hectares in the next five years.

Solar Energy to Empower Agriculture:

1. The Mukhyamantri Solar Pump Yojana has been rebranded as the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana.
2. 1.25 lakh farmers with temporary electricity connections will receive solar-powered pumps.
3. Over the next four years, solar-powered pumps will be distributed to make farmers self-sufficient in electricity supply.

Boosting Horticulture in Madhya Pradesh:

1. The state has over 26 lakh hectares of land under horticulture.
2. Madhya Pradesh ranks first in the production of oranges, tomatoes, coriander, garlic, and spices.
3. 50 high-tech nurseries are being developed, managed through an E-Nursery Portal for better efficiency.