The Madhya Pradesh government has declared 2026 as the "Farmer Welfare Year", launching a comprehensive campaign aimed at improving farm incomes and making agriculture more profitable and sustainable. As part of the Balram Krishi Mahotsav 2026, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav interacted virtually with farmers from Jhabua district, outlining several initiatives to promote modern farming, natural agriculture, water conservation, livestock development, and agricultural value addition.
To improve farmers' financial stability, the Chief Minister announced that eligible farmers can avail agricultural loans of up to ₹300,000 at zero percent interest. The government is also providing agricultural electricity connections for just ₹5, reducing the cost burden on cultivators. In addition, dairy farming is being promoted as a reliable source of supplementary income. Farmers establishing dairy projects worth up to ₹4 million will be eligible for a 33% government subsidy, encouraging livestock-based entrepreneurship alongside traditional farming.
National Mission on Natural Farming, 50 Krishi Sakhis (farm women facilitators) have been selected in Jhabua district to support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Natural farming is currently being practiced on approximately 3,125 acres in the district, and certification of participating farms is underway.
The government is accelerating efforts to promote Kadaknath chicken, Jhabua's signature indigenous poultry breed, under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. During 2025, more than 1,000 new beneficiaries joined Kadaknath farming, contributing to increased rural employment and creating additional income opportunities for farmers by expanding access to domestic and international markets.
The state government is encouraging dairy, goat farming, poultry, and other livestock-based enterprises to diversify farm income. Officials also highlighted the district's growing fisheries sector, with more than 760 ponds developed across Jhabua, supporting fish farming over nearly 3,000 hectares. The initiative is expected to generate year-round income opportunities for rural households.
Cotton Cultivation Records 16% Growth:
Cotton cultivation has expanded significantly during the Kharif 2026 season. Farmers have sown cotton on 23,230 hectares, compared to 19,888 hectares during the corresponding period last year, representing an increase of nearly 16%. The upcoming PM MITRA Textile Park at Badnawar in Dhar district is expected to strengthen the cotton value chain by connecting producers with textile processing industries, enabling better prices, value addition, and employment generation.
Jhabua Emerging as a Tomato Processing Hub:
Tomato cultivation has become another major contributor to the district's agricultural economy. Tomatoes are currently grown on nearly 2,812 hectares, with an estimated production of 168,000 metric tonnes. A tomato processing unit established in Petlawad is manufacturing products such as tomato sauce and ketchup, while 12 solar dryer units have been installed to support tomato dehydration. Processed and fresh tomatoes from Jhabua are supplied to markets in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and several other states.
Farmer Welfare Campaign to Continue Until November 13:
The state-wide Balram Krishi Mahotsav will continue across all 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh until November 13, 2026. The campaign brings together 16 government departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Cooperation, Agricultural Engineering, MSME, Revenue, and Energy, to provide farmers with access to modern technologies, value-added agriculture, processing, marketing, entrepreneurship, and government welfare schemes.
Six Key Agricultural Commitments:
