A strategic meeting of departmental officers was recently held under the chairmanship of Collector Smt. Neha Meena at the Collector’s office, focusing on comprehensive agricultural development in the district. Officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Agricultural Engineering departments participated. The Collector directed all departments to formulate a coordinated action plan to ensure timely and successful implementation of ongoing schemes.
The Collector instructed to increase the area under Pusa Arhar-16 cultivation to 2,000 hectares. Last year, this short-duration variety was cultivated on 205 hectares, maturing in just 122 days—allowing farmers to plant a second crop during the Rabi season. A scientific case study of this success was prepared by the Agriculture Department and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), which was released on June 4, 2025, during a divisional review meeting held in Indore. The case study was unveiled by Agriculture Production Commissioner Mr. Ashok Varnwal, Agriculture Secretary Mr. M. Shelvendram, and Indore Divisional Commissioner Mr. Deepak Singh. The initiative was highly appreciated at the state level, and the Collector extended special congratulations to all scientists and officials involved.
To make farmers self-reliant, the Collector emphasized the need to promote multi-cropping and high-value crops. Special focus areas include the expansion of tomato cultivation and processing, promotion of honey farming, and the adoption of natural farming practices. In light of their health benefits, low input cost, and high market demand, farmers are also encouraged to increase the cultivation of millets such as jowar, bajra, kodo, kutki, ragi, and sawa. Directions were issued to ensure proper processing infrastructure for these crops to enhance their market value.
The Animal Husbandry Department was instructed to work on reviving and strengthening milk cooperatives and routes to boost milk production. Promotion of schemes like the Acharya Vidyasagar Yojana and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana was also recommended to benefit more farmers.
The Fisheries Department was advised to prepare cage culture-based proposals and ensure timely fish seed stocking in identified reservoirs, ponds, and Amrit Sarovars. Farmers and rural communities will be educated on fish nutrition and best practices in fish farming. Emphasis will also be placed on marketing, production, and value addition in the fisheries sector.
Expansion of Farm Mechanization and Digital Services: The Agricultural Engineering Department was directed to promote the use of rental farm machinery through Custom Hiring Centers and to popularize the "J-Form" app for easier access by farmers. Additionally, the Petlawad Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) will be upgraded, and more farmers will be encouraged to register on the Farmgate App to enhance access to market information and services.
The Collector emphasized that all departments must work collaboratively to increase farmers' income through the adoption of technology, commercial viability, and innovation-driven practices.
