Bhopal, April 7 (NationPress) The government of Madhya Pradesh has unveiled an array of initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering cultural engagements, along with measures to strengthen inter-state cooperation. Following the cabinet meeting, MSME Minister Chetanya Kashyap underscored the significance of these decisions, particularly in regard to prioritizing support for marginal farmers and ensuring efficient procurement operations.

Minister Kashyap announced, “Wheat procurement in the state will commence on April 9.”

More than 7.8 million farmers have registered for this initiative across 3,627 procurement centers, which include 2,625 centers equipped with bonus facilities. Sacks are now accessible in all districts, and special attention will be given to marginal farmers. The government is focused on providing a seamless and transparent procurement experience to protect the interests of farmers. Concurrently, the procurement of pulses will also initiate, with Chana (chickpea) being procured at 25% and Masoor (lentil) at 100%. An investment of Rs 51 crore has been allocated for this purpose.

Importantly, these procurement activities will be exempt from mandi tax, offering additional relief to farmers.

In terms of infrastructure development, the Central Government has sanctioned two significant highway projects in Madhya Pradesh. The 22-km Itarsi-Betul stretch, part of the 'Tiger Corridor' on NH-46, will be developed into a four-lane highway, costing Rs 758 crore. Furthermore, a four-lane road connecting Niwari (Madhya Pradesh) to Jhansi/Orchha (in Uttar Pradesh) has been approved for Rs 631 crore.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the importance of these developments, which are projected to substantially enhance business, tourism, and regional connectivity.

A significant step toward inter-state collaboration was marked by the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Conference held on March 31 in Varanasi, focusing on improving trade, tourism, ODOP products, and partnerships among MSMEs.

The first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was established between the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust and the Mahakal Temple Trust to enhance pilgrim and crowd management, as noted by Minister Kashyap. Discussions also included plans for a grand cultural play themed on Maharaj Vikramaditya and the installation of a Vikramaditya Vedic clock in Ujjain. A similar symbolic clock was presented to the UP government during the event.

The government is actively promoting spiritual and scientific tourism around Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, referred to as 'The Master of Time'. The Minister elaborated on initiatives such as establishing a new science center and observatory, linking Ujjain to Dongla, and attracting interest from scientists at IIT and ISRO. These developments are being integrated with the central education system.

To bolster irrigation efforts, the cabinet has resolved to accelerate the Mandsaur-Kotma lift irrigation project, which will benefit 3,500 hectares across 120 villages and support approximately 35,000 families.

A new Financial Training and Research Institute will be founded at the Academy of Administration to enhance governance and skill development.

Social and cultural initiatives are also in the pipeline. From April 8 to 14, district-level events will commemorate Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary (April 14), culminating in a state-level program in Bhind. Comprehensive plans are underway for Sant Ravidas Jayanti on March 31.

In another pivotal decision, the minister announced that the Ujjain airstrip will be transformed into a fully operational airport with an investment of Rs 590 crore under the UDAN scheme, ahead of Simhastha Ujjain 2028, thereby facilitating smoother travel for millions of devotees.

Additionally, Rs 5,215 crore has been allocated to the forest department for conservation and related activities.

Scholarships of Rs 10,000 each are being offered to students from higher sections under a dedicated scheme.

Minister Kashyap reiterated that these initiatives embody the government's commitment to a developed Madhya Pradesh, particularly emphasizing support for small and marginal farmers, infrastructure enhancement, cultural heritage, and inter-state collaboration.

“Procurement processes have been optimized to ensure that every registered farmer reaps the benefits effortlessly,” he asserted, highlighting how the road and irrigation projects will revolutionize rural economies.