Scientific Farming and Crop Diversification
The joint coordination team, comprising scientists, farmers, and government officials, will focus on designing crop diversification strategies aligned with local agro-climatic conditions. The programme will support small and marginal farmers by promoting multiple income streams through horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, industrial crops, and organic farming.
During his visit to Khapri, Shri Chouhan observed advanced cultivation techniques, including fruit and vegetable farming, grafting nurseries, Bhata method cultivation of tomato and capsicum, and exotic crops like dragon fruit, dates, blueberries, and bananas. He noted that traditional crops yield ₹35,000–40,000 per acre, whereas modern high-tech horticulture can boost income to ₹1–2 lakh per acre.
Pulses, Oilseeds, and Market Support
The Minister stressed the promotion of pulses on fallow lands, ensuring procurement of lentil, urad, moong, and arhar at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Simultaneously, cultivation of oilseed crops such as groundnut, mustard, and palm oil will be encouraged to diversify farmers’ income sources.
Guidance on scientific pesticide use, disease management, and selection of high-yielding varieties will be provided by the Agriculture Department, reinforcing the adoption of evidence-based practices.
Women Empowerment and Rural Development
Shri Chouhan highlighted the achievements under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with 18,12,742 houses sanctioned and delivered in the state, and under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, with 10,199 roads covering 47,847 km and 123 major bridges constructed.
The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme has strengthened women’s empowerment through Self Help Groups (SHGs). Currently, 30,68,000 women are associated with 2,76,000 SHGs, 4,32,000 women run micro-enterprises, and ₹11,196.16 crore has been provided as credit support to women beneficiaries.
Centre–State Cooperation for Rural Progress
The Union Minister reaffirmed that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Central and State Governments are working in close coordination to accelerate rural and agricultural development. He congratulated Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the State Government team for their efforts in empowering farmers, poor families, and women through sustainable and technology-driven initiatives.
