Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the state government has taken significant measures for the welfare and prosperity of farmers. These include expanding irrigation facilities, providing substantial subsidies on agricultural solar pumps to reduce electricity costs, offering special incentives to agro-based industries, and granting subsidies for animal husbandry and dairy. Both the state and central governments are ensuring a comprehensive range of benefits for farmers.

 

CM Dr. Yadav addressed the ‘Kisan Samman Samaroh’ held in Gwalior on Balram Jayanti virtually from Bhopal’s government airport. He extended greetings on the occasion of Lord Balram Jayanti, regarded as the deity of agriculture and lauded the Nandlal Bal Kalyan Samiti for organizing the event.

 

The Chief Minister said that over the past 15 months, more than 7 lakh hectares of land have been brought under irrigation in the state. In 2003, only around 7.5 lakh hectares were irrigated. Thus, in just over a year, the state has matched the post-independence irrigation coverage. Since 2003, a total of 44 lakh hectares has been added, with expansion continuing. Projects like Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kali Sindh-Chambal River linking are revolutionising irrigation across large parts of Bundelkhand and the Gwalior-Chambal divisions. To reduce farming costs, the government provides various facilities to farmers. Subsidies of up to 90% are offered on 5-HP and 10-HP solar pumps to lower electricity expenses. Interest-free agricultural loans are also available. This year, the state procured wheat at the highest minimum support price in India — Rs. 2,600 per quintal — with plans to raise it further next year.