Bhopal, March 2 (NationPress) The Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh has sanctioned a substantial investment of Rs 27,746 crore for 16 initiatives aimed at enhancing farmers' welfare during a dedicated agriculture cabinet meeting in Nangalwadi, Barwani district.

The initiatives encompass contributions from six pivotal departments: one from the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, three from the Horticulture and Food Processing Department, four from the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department, two from the Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Department, four from the Cooperative Department, and two from the Narmada Valley Development Department.

Among the highlighted projects is the Barla Lift Micro Irrigation Project, costing approximately Rs 861 crore under the Narmada Valley Development Department, aimed at facilitating irrigation across approximately 15,500 hectares of farmland in 33 villages.

An official announcement indicated that the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department will allocate Rs 3,502.48 crore for its designated scheme. The three initiatives from the Horticulture and Food Processing Department will necessitate an expenditure of Rs 4,263.94 crore. The four schemes from the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department are budgeted at Rs 9,508 crore.

The Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Department's two schemes will receive Rs 218.50 crore. Meanwhile, the Finance Department is set to contribute Rs 8,186 crore for the Cooperative Department's four initiatives. The Narmada Valley Development Department is allocated Rs 2,067.97 crore for its two schemes.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the farming sector, asserting that empowering farmers will facilitate the state’s journey towards development and prosperity.

“We are also planning to position Barwani as a tourist hub, with several similar projects on the horizon,” the Chief Minister remarked.

In Barwani, the Khetia Agricultural Produce Market will undergo enhancements to transform it into a model produce market, projected to cost Rs 10 crore.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Madhya Pradesh is recognized nationally for its promotion of natural farming practices. Currently, 25 farmers from Barwani district are receiving training to become master trainers in natural farming techniques.

Furthermore, these farmers will be sent out of state for advanced training, ensuring they return well-equipped to disseminate knowledge on natural farming practices throughout the region, as noted in the official statement.