How Can FPOs Enhance Food Processing and Farmer Income, Asserts MP CM?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- FPOs have a critical role in food processing.
- The government targets increasing food processing from 5% to 95%.
- Solar pumps are being distributed to reduce dependency on traditional electricity.
- Support includes subsidies for employment in the agricultural sector.
- Concerns are rising over the use of chemical pesticides.
Bhopal, Aug 5 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated on Tuesday that the state authorities are diligently pursuing the enhancement of agriculture to significantly contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aspiration for a developed India by 2047.
The Chief Minister highlighted that to realize this ambition, the state government has launched developmental initiatives across various sectors.
During a meeting with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Bhopal, he mentioned that the state is actively promoting the food processing sector as part of its industrialization agenda.
Furthermore, he noted that the irrigated land in Madhya Pradesh has reached approximately 55 lakh hectares.
"To alleviate farmers' reliance on traditional electricity and lessen their financial strain, the state government has commenced the distribution of 32 lakh solar pumps for irrigation purposes," stated CM Yadav.
This declaration was made at the 'FPO Director Summit – 2025', organized by the FPO Federation of Madhya Pradesh under the theme 'Prosperous FPOs – Self-Reliant Farmers – Developed India' at the State Agricultural Extension and Training Institute in Bhopal.
He emphasized that agricultural activities are on the rise, and with high productivity, Madhya Pradesh is progressing towards becoming a prominent state in food processing.
In his speech, CM Yadav urged FPOs to broaden their roles beyond just crop procurement.
"Instead, they should engage in processing grains and other products and marketing value-added items, providing direct economic advantages to member farmers," he stated.
He mentioned that the government aims to elevate food processing in the state from the current five percent to 95 percent.
According to him, FPOs have a pivotal role not only in food processing but also in warehousing and logistics.
He encouraged farmers to widen the distribution of their products through FPOs.
"The government extends comprehensive support to all industries, including electricity, water, and land. For industries creating jobs, the state will provide a monthly subsidy of Rs 6,000 for women employees and Rs 5,000 for male employees for a decade," he added.
CM Yadav also expressed concerns regarding the increasing use of chemical pesticides in agriculture, noting that traditional farming practices have diminished while rice cultivation has expanded into previously unsuitable regions.