In a significant move aimed at revitalizing its rural economy, the Madhya Pradesh government has declared the year 2026 as an 'Agriculture Year'. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav made the announcement in Bhopal on Saturday, unveiling a comprehensive three-year roadmap designed to substantially increase farmers' earnings and generate employment opportunities in the countryside.
A Three-Year Blueprint for Agricultural Transformation
Chairing a high-level review meeting, CM Yadav directed officials to ensure that all agricultural initiatives planned for 2026 are sharply focused on delivering tangible outcomes, with the primary metric being higher income for farmers. The strategy is not limited to a single year but is part of a sustained, multi-pronged approach.
The plan encompasses a wide array of interventions. These include pushing for wider adoption of farm mechanization, providing skill training to farmers, and organizing exposure visits to learn advanced techniques. The government will also actively promote the establishment of food processing units, expand horticulture, and facilitate the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Ensuring easier access to low-interest credit for cultivators is another critical pillar of this plan.
Emphasis on Sustainability and Global Best Practices
Aligning with national and global trends, the Chief Minister placed special emphasis on climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. He called for concerted efforts to promote the cultivation of millets, natural farming, and organic farming. The conservation of biodiversity and the integration of traditional farming knowledge with modern science will be encouraged.
To propel Madhya Pradesh onto the national and global agricultural stage, Yadav stressed strengthening research, innovation, and digital interventions in the farm sector. He specifically suggested that farmers should be taken on exposure visits to advanced agricultural states and countries like Israel and Brazil to learn and adopt best practices.
In a related directive, the CM instructed officials to promote floriculture in all districts of the state. He proposed expanding Bhopal's popular Rose Festival into a broader flower festival, a move strategically timed with an eye on the proposed International Rose Competition in 2028.
Atal Progress-Way: A Catalyst for Chambal's Development
Beyond agriculture, the review meeting also focused on accelerating infrastructure projects. CM Yadav pressed for the faster execution of the crucial Atal Progress-Way road connectivity project. He highlighted that roads play a fundamental role in regional development and that this project would be a game-changer for the Chambal region.
The Atal Progress-Way is designed to significantly improve the connectivity of Morena, Sheopur, and Bhind districts. It will link these areas with major arteries like the Delhi–Vadodara Expressway and the Agra–Lucknow highway. This improved network is expected to drastically cut travel time to key cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kota, and Kanpur.
"The improved connectivity is expected to spur industry, trade, tourism and overall mobility," Yadav stated. He directed officials to ensure the speedy completion of the project while carrying out land acquisition with the full consent and satisfaction of affected farmers and local residents.
In a visionary push for tourism, the Chief Minister also proposed developing a 625-km tiger tourism corridor connecting the Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna reserves. This initiative aims to boost wildlife tourism in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.
The announcements signal the state government's intent to create a synergistic link between agricultural prosperity and infrastructural development, aiming for holistic growth in Madhya Pradesh.
