Reaffirming the state's vision of a “Golden Madhya Pradesh,” Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the government is determined to uplift farmers’ incomes and contribute significantly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of making India a Developed Nation by 2047.
Speaking at the 'FPO Director Summit – 2025' in Bhopal, he highlighted the state’s multi-sectoral development efforts, especially in agriculture and food processing.
The summit, themed ‘Prosperous FPOs – Self-Reliant Farmers – Developed India’, was organised by the FPO Federation of Madhya Pradesh at the State Agricultural Extension and Training Institute.
Dr. Yadav inaugurated the event with Deep Prajjwalan and received eco-friendly bamboo rakhis from women self-help groups of Ratlam. He extended greetings to farmers on Independence Day, Janmashtami, and Shri Balram Jayanti.
From Fields to Food Processing
Outlining Madhya Pradesh’s transformation in agriculture, Dr. Yadav said the state’s irrigated area now spans nearly 55 lakh hectares.
To reduce reliance on conventional power and ease the financial burden on farmers, the state has begun distributing 32 lakh solar-powered irrigation pumps. With robust agricultural output, MP is poised to become a frontrunner in the food processing sector.
Calling for expanded roles for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), the Chief Minister said, “FPOs should not limit themselves to crop procurement. Instead, they should process grains and other produce and sell value-added products in the market, ensuring direct economic benefits to member farmers.”
He also announced that the state aims to increase food processing from 5% to 95%, with farmers as direct stakeholders. A major potato chips production unit is being set up in the Malwa region.
FPOs are expected to play vital roles in warehousing, logistics, and market linkages. To support job-creating industries, the government will provide subsidies of ₹6,000 per month for each employed woman and ₹5,000 per male employee for a decade.
Organic Cotton in Global Demand
Dr. Yadav voiced concern over the growing use of chemical pesticides and the decline of traditional farming. Despite once-thriving cotton fields in Malwa and Nimar, cotton cultivation has dwindled. Yet, the state continues to produce premium-quality organic cotton, which has gained international recognition.
He remarked, “Madhya Pradesh produces high-quality organic cotton, which is in great demand globally… China and Vietnam are marketing their cotton under the name of Madhya Pradesh.”
Partnering for Atmanirbhar Agriculture
To empower farmers, the state government plans to collaborate with organizations like Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and the Malavam Federation.
Several initiatives are underway: wheat procurement at ₹2,600 per quintal, tax exemption on tur dal, and plans to procure millets like Kodo and Kutki at MSP. The state also targets raising its milk production share from 9% to 20%.
Under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme, cows and buffaloes are being provided at subsidised rates. Along with food processing, milk processing and dairy product manufacturing are being promoted.
Assured Fertilizer Supply
Addressing farmers’ concerns, Agriculture Minister Shri Eidal Singh Kanshana confirmed adequate fertilizer stock. “There is no shortage of fertilizers in the state,” he said, citing the availability of 14 lakh metric tons of urea and 12 lakh metric tons of DAP.
While DAP supplies are slightly tight, measures are being taken to address the shortfall. Urea distribution has already reached 10 lakh metric tons. He also assured that compensation will be provided to farmers facing losses from floods or excess rainfall.
National Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Farmers
Bharatiya Kisan Sangh national president Shri K. Sai Reddy reiterated faith in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, saying, “India will become a developed nation by 2047… If FPOs work together like the Pandavas, they will surely succeed.” He said the organization is working toward empowering farmers in one lakh villages.
Echoing this sentiment, BKS national organising secretary Shri Dinesh Kulkarni stated, “Inspired by Lord Balram, the organization is working to make farmers prosperous.”
He stressed the importance of FPOs in India’s growth and emphasized ongoing training for crop and product marketing. He said, “The vision of a Developed India can only be realised through inclusive development.”
To facilitate this, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has established the Mahi Federation at the national level and six state-level federations, including Malavam Federation in Madhya Pradesh.
Stakeholders and Attendees
The summit witnessed participation from key officials and representatives, including Agriculture Secretary Shri Nishant Barwade, Shri K. Kumar Swamy (Hubli), Shri Kamal Singh, Shri Mahesh, and several BKS leaders such as Shri Kailash Singh Thakur, Shri Narayan Yadav, Shri Ghanshyam Patidar, Shri Kamal Patidar, Shri Suraj Singh Thakur, and Shri Atul Maheshwari. A large number of FPO directors were also present.
