Bhopal, Oct 14 (NationPress) In a comprehensive set of measures designed to enhance agriculture, support tribal livelihoods, and stimulate economic growth, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet convened on Tuesday under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to endorse vital initiatives. Urban Development Minister and government spokesperson Kailash Vijayvargiya highlighted that these actions are transformative for farmers and marginalized communities, reinforcing the state’s dedication to self-sufficiency in the face of challenging market conditions.

At the forefront is the revitalization of the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (Price Difference Scheme) specifically for soybean farmers, reintroduced after an eight-year pause prompted by farmers' requests for minimum support price (MSP) protection.

Madhya Pradesh, known as India’s “soybean bowl,” contributes nearly 60% of the national soybean production across 66 lakh hectares but has experienced significant price drops due to oversupply and unpredictable weather, with many farmers earning below the MSP of ₹5,328 per quintal.

Under this scheme, the government will assess an average mandi rate and compensate the difference directly into farmers' accounts through DBT (direct benefit transfer).

Registration commenced on October 3 and will continue until October 17, with the scheme set to be implemented from November 1 to January 31, 2026.

“Farmers won't incur losses; we will cover the gap,” Minister Vijayvargiya assured, addressing previous criticisms regarding delayed payments from the 2017 rollout that led to a crash in prices by 30-35%.

To promote climate-resilient 'Shri Anna' millets, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Sri Anna Federation for kodo and kutki millet varieties, essential for 11 tribal-dominated districts such as Mandla and Dindori. These nutritious grains, cultivated by over 18,000 Adivasi women through SHGs, now receive MSPs of ₹3,500/quintal for kodo and ₹2,500/quintal for kutki, up from previous lows of ₹12/kg. An interest-free loan of ₹80 crore will support marketing, value addition, and processing into products like cookies and cereals through the Federation, increasing incomes from ₹12/kg to ₹80-90/kg.

“This empowers tribal women, aligning with the national millet mission for food security,” he stated, acknowledging a 50% production decline in recent decades due to changing preferences.

Sericulture will receive a boost through the enhanced Resham Samridhi Yojana (Silk Promotion Scheme), increasing input subsidies from ₹3.65 lakh/acre to ₹5 lakh/acre. Farmers' contributions will decrease to ₹1.25 lakh/acre (from ₹1.56 lakh), with SC/ST beneficiaries restricted to ₹50,000, making it easier for smallholders in Chhindwara and Burhanpur hubs to participate.

For MSMEs, a ₹105 crore allocation under the World Bank-backed RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) scheme aims at quality enhancements, market access, and environmental sustainability. The state will contribute 30% to central funds, unlocking loans for over 6,000 units (47% women-led), fostering job creation in renewables and exports.

“MSMEs are engines of dignity; this initiative will cultivate self-reliant entrepreneurs,” the minister affirmed. In a noteworthy gesture, the Cabinet awarded an out-of-turn promotion to Constable Arun Singh Bhadoria, PSO (personal security officer) to Rau MLA Madhu Verma, for saving the legislator's life with CPR during a heart attack on September 24 in Indore. Doctors commended his timely intervention, which stabilized Verma post-surgery.

Additionally, ₹170 crore will increase pensions for pre-2016 retirees under the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions, benefiting over 4.5 lakh elderly citizens, as stated by the minister.

Finally, SC/ST students will gain access through the 'Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Coaching Scheme' to national-level coaching institutes with ₹1,000 monthly residence support, targeting over 5,000 aspirants for exams like JEE/NEET/UPSC.

“Everyone is welcome; education dismantles barriers,” he urged.