Madhya Pradesh has clinched the first prize for overall performance in agriculture and horticulture at the International Agriculture & Horticulture Expo 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 25 to 27 July. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the award on Monday, 27 July, congratulating the state's farmers, agricultural scientists, and officials for the recognition.

What Earned MP the Top Honour

According to the state government, the Madhya Pradesh pavilion was recognised for its innovative initiatives, effective implementation of government schemes, and concerted efforts to link farmers with the food processing sector. The award reflects the state's growing strength in horticultural crop production and its push for value addition.

Chief Minister Yadav said, 'Madhya Pradesh is among the leading states in horticultural crop production. Our government is making dedicated efforts to ensure remunerative prices for farmers by promoting food processing units and strengthening marketing avenues for agricultural produce.'

About the Expo

The three-day international event brought together government departments, agricultural scientists, experts, entrepreneurs, and farmers from across India and abroad. Around 25,000 participants — including farmers, scientists, agricultural experts, and entrepreneurs — attended the expo, which served as a platform to showcase modern agricultural technologies, spread awareness of government schemes, and encourage the growth of agriculture- and horticulture-based industries.

Pavilions from Karnataka, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan also participated, displaying modern farming technologies, organic products, and state-level government initiatives.

Government's Reaction

Horticulture and Food Processing Minister Narayan Singh Kushwah said the award was a testament to the collective efforts of the state's farmers, entrepreneurs, and departmental officials. He added that the recognition would further strengthen Madhya Pradesh's standing in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

Chief Minister Yadav added, 'The innovations and initiatives undertaken by Madhya Pradesh received nationwide appreciation at the International Agriculture & Horticulture Expo 2026. Our government remains committed to further strengthening the agriculture and horticulture sectors and creating better opportunities for farmers through food processing and value addition.'

What This Signals for MP's Agri Ambitions

The award comes as Madhya Pradesh continues to position itself as a leading agricultural state, with a stated focus on food processing units and marketing infrastructure for farm produce. With competitive participation from several major states, the recognition at a national-level international platform carries significant weight for the state's policy credibility. The government is expected to leverage this momentum to attract further investment in agri-processing and rural supply chains.