MP targets Gujarat-level growth: CM Mohan Yadav on river links, farm push
Synopsis
MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is pitching Madhya Pradesh as Gujarat-in-the-making — with three river-linking projects, nearly 90% Central funding, and a 16-department farmer welfare push as proof points. The Narmada parallel is deliberate: it is both a development blueprint and a political signal ahead of the state's rural economy stress test.
Key Takeaways
CM Mohan Yadav declared Madhya Pradesh is on track to match Gujarat 's development at a workshop in Bhopal on 30 April 2025 .
Three river-linking projects — including the Ken-Betwa Link and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) — are central to the state's water and agriculture strategy.
The Central government has contributed nearly 90 per cent of the total project costs.
Schemes from 16 departments are being integrated under the 'Farmer Welfare Year' for holistic rural development.
Technology tools including the 'Sarthak' app , e-governance, and stubble management are being prioritised to modernise agriculture.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday, 30 April 2025 declared that Madhya Pradesh is steadily advancing towards prosperity on the lines of Gujarat, crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sustained Central support for the state's development trajectory. Yadav made the remarks at the 'Krishi Karmayogi' (agricultural worker) orientation training and workshop held at Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal.
River-Linking Projects at the Core
The Chief Minister highlighted three major river-linking projects as central to Madhya Pradesh's growth strategy. He noted that the Ken-Betwa Link Project is already benefiting the water-scarce Bundelkhand region, while the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) project is set to expand irrigation and water access across several districts in both Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Rajasthan. Yadav pointed out that the Central government has contributed nearly 90 per cent of the total project cost, underscoring its commitment to water security and rural development.
He also noted that residents of several districts in Rajasthan have reportedly expressed gratitude to Madhya Pradesh for reaching a consensus on the PKC project and facilitating its progress — a rare instance of inter-state goodwill on a water-sharing agreement.
The Gujarat Parallel: Narmada as a Model
Drawing a direct comparison with Gujarat's development story, Yadav invoked the role of the Narmada river as a transformative force.
Point of View
But Yadav is backing it with something more concrete than rhetoric — three federally funded river-linking projects and a cross-departmental farmer welfare framework. The real question is execution: Madhya Pradesh's agricultural sector has long struggled with fragmented delivery and water mismanagement despite abundant river resources. The PKC project's inter-state consensus is genuinely notable, but the 90% Central funding also raises the question of fiscal dependency. If the Centre pulls back or delays disbursements, the Gujarat parallel could stall before it starts.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did MP CM Mohan Yadav say about Madhya Pradesh's development?
CM Mohan Yadav said on 30 April 2025 that Madhya Pradesh is steadily moving towards prosperity on the lines of Gujarat, crediting PM Narendra Modi's leadership and Central government support. He made the remarks at the Krishi Karmayogi workshop at Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal.
What are the river-linking projects mentioned by CM Mohan Yadav?
Yadav highlighted three river-linking projects: the Ken-Betwa Link Project benefiting the Bundelkhand region, and the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) project providing irrigation to districts in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Central government has reportedly funded nearly 90 per cent of the total project costs.
What is the 'Farmer Welfare Year' initiative in Madhya Pradesh?
The Farmer Welfare Year is a Madhya Pradesh government initiative under which schemes from 16 departments are being integrated to ensure holistic development of farmers and rural areas through a coordinated approach. It aims to improve agricultural productivity and enhance farmer incomes.
What is the 'Sarthak' app mentioned by CM Mohan Yadav?
The Sarthak app is a technology initiative cited by CM Yadav as part of Madhya Pradesh's efforts to modernise agriculture through e-governance and better service delivery. It is being prioritised alongside improved fertiliser distribution and stubble management practices.
Why did CM Yadav compare Madhya Pradesh to Gujarat?
Yadav drew the comparison to highlight Madhya Pradesh's development ambitions, particularly around water infrastructure and agricultural growth — mirroring Gujarat's transformation driven by Narmada river utilisation. The comparison also carries political significance, as Gujarat is seen as a model BJP-governed state under PM Modi's legacy.
