At the Collectors-Commissioners Conference 2025 held in Bhopal, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav unveiled the state’s ambitious vision to prioritize natural and organic farming along with a large-scale expansion of horticultural crops. He emphasized that the foundation of rural development will now rest on innovation and agri-entrepreneurship, ensuring both sustainability and profitability for farmers.
The Chief Minister directed all district collectors to identify and support at least 100 farmers in each district for adopting natural farming practices. These farmers will receive technical guidance, documentation support, and regular performance evaluations. Weekly markets and rural haat bazaars across the state will be mandated to promote and sell organic produce, giving farmers direct and assured market access.
Highlighting the strengths of Madhya Pradesh in horticultural crops such as bananas, tomatoes, oranges, and roses, Dr. Yadav stressed the need for setting up local processing units and robust marketing networks. He appreciated the rose cluster initiative in Guna district and suggested replicating such models in religious towns to strengthen localized consumption and value addition.
A major highlight of the conference was the plan to transform rural youth into agri-entrepreneurs. Dr. Yadav underlined that agriculture should not remain confined to subsistence farming. Instead, the youth should be encouraged to explore business opportunities in dairy, fisheries, poultry, and climate-resilient crops, thereby creating a new generation of agricultural leaders.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to give wide publicity to the Bhavantar Yojana, a flagship scheme that provides price support to farmers. He called for transparent and effective implementation of the scheme so that maximum farmers can benefit from it.
Expressing concern over environmental impacts, Dr. Yadav called for strict measures to curb stubble burning. He proposed an active monitoring system and awareness campaigns, along with promoting sustainable alternatives such as baler machines, hay shredders, and composting techniques.
Multi-Sectoral Action Plan Presented:
Agricultural Production Commissioner Mr. Ashok Varnwal outlined a multi-sectoral action plan focused on climate-resilient farming, organic practices, and advanced technologies such as cage culture and selective poultry breeding. He also identified crop residue management and soybean seed quality improvement as priority areas for the state.
Model Districts Leading the Way:
Five districts were recognized for innovative initiatives that can serve as models for agricultural transformation across the state:
Stronger Inter-Departmental Collaboration:
Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperation also presented their plans and achievements at the conference. The collective approach emphasized greater inter-departmental collaboration, laying the foundation for holistic and inclusive rural development in Madhya Pradesh.
