Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, addressing farmers at the Shri Anna Mahotsav and Kisan Samman Ceremony held under the Rani Durgavati Shri Anna Promotion Scheme, emphasized that Millets is an integral part of our cultural heritage. He highlighted Balaghat district's unique identity in Millets production, noting its 3,000-year history of Kodo cultivation.
Yadav stated that the government is actively working on increasing the production and value addition of millet crops. To support Kodo-producing farmers, the state government provides an additional grant of Rs 1,000 per quintal. He reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to equal development across all sectors, ensuring that progress continues rapidly throughout the state.
Yadav announced that the Central Government has set a support price of Rs 4,290 for Kodo this year. He noted that the efforts of the government and the Millet Mission have led to an increase in the cultivation area of Millet crops. Previously, Millets were grown on 10,000 hectares in Balaghat district, but due to the growing interest of farmers, the target is now to expand this area to 15,200 hectares. Balaghat plays a significant role in contributing to the country's total cultivation area of one lakh hectares. To economically empower farmers, the Central Government provides Rs 25,000 crore annually to 80 lakh farmers under the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh government transfers Rs 12,500 crore directly to the accounts of eligible farmers each year under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, efforts are underway to increase farmers' incomes.
Yadav said that Balaghat is a district rich in forest and mineral resources. Here minerals like manganese, dolomite, and copper are in abundance along with the flowing nectar of Wainganga. GI tagged Chinnor rice is the heritage of the district. He said that Naxalite activities will not be tolerated under any circumstances in such a land. 28 soldiers who played an important role in the security and peace of the country were honored today. The government stands with such brave soldiers. Prime Minister Modi’s government has put an end to Naxal activities in ten years.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that along with providing food, farmers will also become producers of electricity. By promoting solar energy, farmers will be motivated to produce electricity from solar energy. He said that remarkable work has been done towards conservation of water structures in Balaghat district. All these works will be documented.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that no negligence will be tolerated in the matter of conservation and promotion of Bovines. Recently, 7500 cows have been freed in the state and 1000 people who were transporting them have been arrested. He said that in the direction of conservation and promotion of Bovines, grazing land in the state will now be freed from encroachment. Construction of cow shelters will be encouraged in Gram Panchayats.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Ayushman cardholders needing treatment in another city will now have access to a free air ambulance service, complete with a doctor, nurse, and advanced medical equipment. Additionally, those without Ayushman cards can avail of this service at concessional rates. He further mentioned that air taxi services have been initiated in cities like Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Rewa, and will soon expand to smaller cities with airstrip facilities.Dr. Yadav also stated that Regional Industry Conclave will be held in Jabalpur on July 20, which is expected to boost regional development and create employment opportunities. Furthermore, the Religious Endowments Department will identify and develop religious sites associated with Lord Ram and Krishna into pilgrimage destinations.
