How is MP Strengthening Farmers and Food Processing Ties?

Synopsis
The Madhya Pradesh government is set to launch a transformative program aimed at uniting farmers and the food processing industry. With a series of regional conclaves leading up to a major Global Summit, this initiative promises to enhance agricultural practices and boost investments in the sector. Don't miss how this can change the landscape of farming in MP!
Key Takeaways
- The Madhya Pradesh government is launching a program to connect farmers and the food processing industry.
- The first regional conclave will be held in Mandsaur.
- The initiative aims to attract investment and improve agricultural practices.
- Farmers will gain insights into modern technology and high-yield crops.
- The Global Agriculture Summit is planned for October in Sehore.
Bhopal, May 1 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh government is launching a program on Saturday aimed at strengthening the connection between farmers and the food processing sector to attract investment. This initiative will kick off with a series of regional conclaves, culminating in a grand Global Summit in October.
The inaugural event, titled 'Krishi Udyog Samagam' (Farm-Industry Conclave), will be held in Sitamau, located in the Mandsaur district. This initiative, unveiled by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during recent programs, seeks to bridge the gap between farmers and the latest agricultural advancements while facilitating knowledge sharing.
Building on the success of the Global Investors Summit, which attracted an impressive Rs 30 lakh crore in investments, the state government aims to replicate this model for the food processing sector.
“We will host subsequent regional agriculture conclaves each month in the Mahakaul, Rewa, and Chambal regions, leading up to a major Global Agriculture Summit in Sehore this October,” stated CM Yadav.
These conclaves, described as 'melas', are not just about promoting food processing; they will also introduce farmers to innovative agricultural technologies, high-yield seeds, modern equipment, and climate-resilient crop varieties.
Farmers from the Ujjain and Indore divisions are expected to attend the Mandsaur conclave, which will offer valuable insights into high-yield crops and advanced cultivation techniques, according to the Chief Minister.
These summits aim to enhance farmers' incomes, equip them with modern practices, and expose the food processing sector to global agricultural methodologies.
According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, agriculture accounted for 44.36% of the state's GDP in 2024-25, down slightly from 44.55% the previous year.
Despite a 1.15% decline in food grain production in 2023-24, pulses and oilseeds showed remarkable growth at 35.36% and 7.80% respectively.
Additionally, rice production rose by 7.85%, and spice yields increased by 1.8%. Milk production grew by 4%, egg production by 9.65%, meat production by 9.57%, and fisheries output surged by 14.85%.
An emerging trend is the recognition of a third crop season, 'Zaid', alongside Rabi and Kharif, gaining traction through substantial procurement of Mung, a high-protein pulse.
“We have also initiated a new 'farming' subject in non-agricultural universities to benefit young aspirants from farming communities,” the Chief Minister added.