Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday, 1 August chaired a comprehensive review of development works in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district, announcing a slate of measures spanning agriculture, irrigation, healthcare, and women's economic empowerment. The session was held under the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) framework.

Agriculture Roadmap for Dewas

Chouhan said a detailed agriculture plan had been drawn up specifically for Dewas, factoring in the district's soil composition, climate, water availability, and local farming conditions. 'We have prepared an agriculture roadmap after studying the district's soil, climate, water availability and local conditions. It will help improve farming and increase farmers' income,' he said.

The plan envisages promotion of better seeds, suitable crop varieties, horticulture, and food processing, with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) designated as the primary delivery mechanism for these interventions.

Lakhpati Didi Target Doubled for Dewas

In a significant push for women's economic inclusion, Chouhan announced that the number of 'Lakhpati Didis' in Dewas would be scaled up from approximately 35,000 to 72,000. Women will be linked to self-help groups (SHGs), provided skill training, and given easier access to bank loans for self-employment. The drive mirrors the Centre's broader Lakhpati Didi programme, which targets financially independent rural women earning at least ₹1 lakh annually.

Irrigation and Drinking Water Projects

The DISHA meeting reviewed the status of key water infrastructure projects, including the Chhipaner Lift Irrigation Scheme and the Maa Rewa Lift Irrigation Scheme. Chouhan said work on one major irrigation project would commence shortly, pending forest clearance. He separately directed officials to investigate and address delays in drinking water supply projects in the Khategaon area.

Healthcare and TB-Free Mission

Chouhan announced a three-month drive to ensure all eligible residents — including those above 70 years of age — receive Ayushman Bharat health cards. He also committed to making Dewas tuberculosis-free and malnutrition-free, with special campaigns planned for treatment, nutrition support, and scheme-benefit saturation. 'We are committed to making Dewas TB-free and malnutrition-free. Special campaigns will be launched to provide treatment, nutrition support and ensure that every eligible person gets the benefits of government schemes,' he said.

Employment and Rural Development

Villages in Dewas will undertake development works under the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) scheme, with project priorities to be determined by local communities. On skill development, Chouhan said youth would receive vocational training and access to bank loans for self-employment. The meeting was attended by public representatives and officials from multiple departments, who collectively reviewed the progress of Central government schemes across the district.

With targets set and timelines indicated, the focus now shifts to implementation — particularly on irrigation clearances, Lakhpati Didi enrolments, and the Ayushman Bharat saturation drive in the months ahead.