Madhya Pradesh government has announced that the year 2026 will be observed as Agriculture Year in the state. Leveraging the state’s diverse agro-climatic zones, adequate irrigation facilities, and a strong road network, the government will prioritize increasing farmers’ income and generating agriculture-based employment. These initiatives aim to realize the vision of “Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous State.”
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav shared these views while reviewing the action plan prepared by the agriculture and allied departments under Agriculture Year 2026 at Samatva Bhavan (the Chief Minister’s residence).
Strong Focus on Farmers’ Income and Job Creation:
The Chief Minister directed that all activities launched under Agriculture Year 2026 be implemented with clearly defined three-year targets. To boost farmers’ income and create employment opportunities in rural areas, special emphasis will be placed on promoting farm mechanization. In addition, priority will be given to capacity-building initiatives such as farmer training programs and exposure visits, establishment of food processing units, expansion of horticulture, and formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
He also stressed the need to ensure the availability of low-interest credit to farmers, along with the expansion of micro-irrigation facilities, improved market linkages, and fair prices for agricultural produce. Farmers will be encouraged to adopt allied activities such as animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries to diversify income sources. The Chief Minister further directed the promotion of climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices, millets (Shri Anna) production, conservation of biodiversity and traditional agricultural knowledge, and the adoption of natural and organic farming. He emphasized strengthening the state’s national and global presence by encouraging research, innovation, and the use of digital technologies in agriculture.
Dr. Yadav said that farmers should be made aware of successful innovations being implemented in other states. He also proposed study tours for farmers to agriculturally advanced states and countries such as Israel and Brazil, enabling them to adopt modern technologies and innovative practices to enhance productivity and income. To achieve the goal of “Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous State,” departments including Farmer Welfare, Cooperation, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Panchayat and Rural Development, Revenue, Horticulture and Food Processing, Energy, New and Renewable Energy, Fishermen Welfare, Fisheries Development, and Irrigation will work in close coordination.
The Chief Minister announced that the Rose Festival held in Bhopal will now be celebrated as a Flower Festival, showcasing flowers grown in various districts of the state. Instructions were also issued to promote floriculture across all districts. During the meeting, it was informed that Bhopal will host the proposed International Rose Competition in 2028. Keeping Simhastha 2028 in view, floriculture is being specially promoted over 100 acres in Ujjain district. The Chief Minister also directed effective measures for stubble management and encouraged linking FPOs with dairy production activities. He underlined the need to promote cooperative-based agri-startups as well.
The meeting highlighted that special initiatives will be undertaken to modernize agricultural markets across the state. Targets have been set to integrate 20 mandis in 2025–26, 19 mandis in 2026–27, and 42 mandis in 2027–28 with the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) platform. Market modernization will facilitate the availability of clean, graded, and packaged produce, improve product quality and enhancing the participation of Madhya Pradesh’s agricultural products in national markets. This will ensure competitive and better prices for farmers, leading to higher incomes.
It was also informed that efforts will be made to introduce transparent auction systems in mandis, curb irregularities, systematically develop old market premises, prevent losses caused by encroachments, and improve operational efficiency through innovation. Additionally, with support from the central government under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), initiatives will be undertaken for post-harvest management and the development of agricultural infrastructure and assets.
Q1: What is the objective of Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Year 2026?
A: The objective is to increase farmers’ income, create agriculture-based employment, and promote sustainable farming practices.
Q2: How will Khetivyapar help farmers during Agriculture Year 2026?
A: Khetivyapar provides access to modern farm machinery, training, market linkages, and government scheme information to empower farmers.
Q3: What role do Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) play?
A: FPOs help farmers collectively market produce, access better resources, and increase bargaining power.
Q4: How will market modernization benefit farmers?
A: Market modernization through e-NAM integration will ensure transparent auctions, fair pricing, and better access to national markets.
Q5: What allied activities are promoted to diversify farmers’ income?
A: Animal husbandry, dairy farming, and fisheries are encouraged to supplement agricultural income.
