Jabalpur, April 8 (NationPress) Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav addressed the 'Krishi Manthan 2026' gathering at Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University (JNKVV), Jabalpur, an event organized collaboratively by the Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh, along with the university.

This conclave aimed at aligning research, extension services, and market access as part of the state's 'Krishi Kalyan Varsh (Farmer Welfare Year)' 2026.

Yadav characterized 2026 as a year dedicated to a variety of events and integrated initiatives designed to enhance agriculture and its allied sectors.

Regarding the recent start of wheat procurement, Yadav highlighted state support through the Bhavantar Scheme and initiatives to process crops such as masoor and chana to increase farming profitability.

He recalled the famous slogan "Jai Kisan, Jai Jawan, Jai Vigyan" (popularized by the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee) and noted that Prime Minister Modi has added "Jai Anusandhan (Hail Research)" to it.

The Chief Minister emphasized a coordinated strategy involving multiple departments under the theme of 'Unity in Diversity' to promote farmer welfare.

"Through the 'Farmer Welfare Year' initiative, we have resolved to host a diverse range of unique events throughout the year. Thus, by uniting various departments, creating a consolidated platform for their activities, and celebrating 'Unity in Diversity' within this variety, we proudly present this distinctive program dedicated to farmer welfare," he stated.

He linked agriculture to a profound philosophy of harmony with nature, drawing from ancient Indian wisdom and historical evidence such as the Bhimbetka rock paintings depicting agrarian life from thousands of years ago.

Yadav praised the village-centric, nature-respecting lifestyle and reflected on India's transformation from food shortages in the 1960s—when wheat was imported—to self-reliance fostered by scientific research and visionary leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri.

In tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Yadav underscored the vision for the River Linking Project and acknowledged how political challenges impeded progress in the Narmada Valley during the 1970s.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi (during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat) with the successful completion of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which revolutionized water availability.

"Mother Narmada is our lifeline. Her waters sustain the lushness of Madhya Pradesh, bring joy and prosperity to Gujarat, and satisfy the thirst of other states, including Rajasthan," he emphasized.

The Chief Minister showcased Madhya Pradesh's accomplishments, noting that the state leads the nation in pulses production (significantly contributing to chickpeas and overall pulses output) and ranks high in oilseeds, food grains, and wheat.

Farmers are now embracing multi-cropping, including a third crop cycle, achieving new records.

“The state also excels in the area of natural farming and has begun procuring indigenous millets like Kodo and Kutki. Notably, offerings at Baba Mahakal now include Ragi laddoos,” he pointed out.

Yadav announced intentions to boost milk production growth from the current 9% to 20% and provide free milk to government school students from Class 1 to Class 8 to enhance nutrition.

He called upon the agricultural university community to support advanced crop varieties, agricultural startups, modern machinery, and value addition.

"We seek your help in promoting advanced crop varieties over traditional seeds, improving production capacities, fostering agricultural startups, and facilitating the adoption of modern farming equipment," he stated.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the new administrative building of the Jabalpur Agricultural University, dedicated to the memory of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a cost of ₹16.47 crore, initiated a training program for 1,000 'Krishi Sakhis' (female agricultural assistants), allocated work orders worth ₹1.08 crore to 10 startups, and launched a new sugarcane unit in Narsinghpur.

The event included exhibits of unique agricultural products and reinforced the government's commitment to digital governance for transparent scheme implementation.