Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday, 21 September said the imminent completion of the Sleemanabad Tunnel and allied irrigation works would bring 1.32 lakh hectares of farmland in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district under irrigation, channelling Narmada waters into a region that has historically depended on rain-fed agriculture. Yadav made the announcement while addressing farmers via video conferencing from the Mantralaya during the Balram Krishi Mahotsav organised in Rewa.

Sleemanabad Tunnel and Key Irrigation Projects

'Once the Sleemanabad Tunnel is completed, the sacred waters of the Narmada River will reach the fields of Rewa, enhancing irrigation and drinking water facilities in the region,' Yadav said. Irrigation projects being implemented across Teonthar, Lonhi, Sirmour, and Semariya are collectively expected to push that coverage figure to 1.32 lakh hectares. The expanded water availability is also anticipated to improve drinking water supply for residents across the district.

Shift Towards Horticulture and Natural Farming

Rewa has traditionally been a hub for paddy, wheat, gram, lentil, linseed, and soybean cultivation. Yadav noted that the district is now witnessing a broader transition toward horticulture, with guava, amla, and jackfruit among the prominent new crops. 'Rewa farmers are moving beyond traditional farming and setting new benchmarks in horticulture and natural farming,' he said, urging cultivators to embrace natural farming methods. The state is supporting this shift partly through a 1,000-hectare Natural Farming Cluster being developed in the district.

Millet Mission and Crop Diversification

The government is actively promoting the cultivation of Kodo and Kutki millets under the State Millet Mission, linking millet production to both farm income enhancement and nutritional security. This push aligns with India's broader post-2023 International Year of Millets momentum, positioning Rewa farmers as part of a national crop-diversification narrative.

Natural Farming Training and Cattle Conservation

The Natural Farming Training Centre at the Basaman Mama Cow Sanctuary is equipping farmers with knowledge on preparing natural inputs such as Jeevamrut and Ghan Jeevamrut. Yadav highlighted that the sanctuary is simultaneously contributing to cattle conservation and rural self-reliance, creating scope for integrating livestock activities with mainstream farming operations.

Relief for Leaseholders

The Chief Minister also reiterated that the state government would cover registration expenses for approximately 50 lakh leaseholders who hold lease documents but lack formal land registration. The move is aimed at strengthening land tenure security for small and marginal farmers across Madhya Pradesh.

With irrigation infrastructure set to transform water access in Rewa, the district's agricultural landscape could shift significantly over the coming seasons — provided project timelines hold.