Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed to launch a mega drive to guide farmers on protection of crops. Crop protection should be turned into a mission. Reviewing activities of Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Department, Chouhan said that it is better to protect crops from all risks, especially caterpillar menace through advance assessment instead of loss of crop due to adverse climate. Special drive to make farmers aware will be conducted from April 15 to June 15.
Reviewing facilities available for farmers at Krishi Upaj Mandis, the Chief Minister directed that Mandi Board will not construct rural roads. Funds available for this will be made available to Rural Road Development Authority. He said that Mandi Board should mainly focus on strengthening infrastructural arrangements of Mandis and making crop procurement process fully transparent.
Reviewing facilities for farmers, the Chief Minister said that over Rs 20,000 crore assistance has been given to farmers including subsidy on power, relief against crop loss, crop insurance amount and other aids.
Chouhan directed for verification of beneficiaries under programmes of Central government like National Food Security Mission and National Oilseed Mission. He instructed for constant monitoring of Central government's agriculture schemes.
The Chief Minister directed to conduct a campaign to motivate farmers to make Madhya Pradesh model state in organic farming. Expressing dissatisfaction over implementation of subsidy-based schemes for farmers, Chouhan said that it needs further improvement. Chouhan said that subsidy for farmers must be directly deposited in their bank accounts without delay. The state government is committed to eradicating role of middlemen in purchase of agricultural inputs.
Reviewing conduct of 750 custom hiring centres set up for convenience of farmers, the Chief Minister said that he would hold dialogue with operators of these centres. It is noteworthy that in its study report, NABARD has described establishment of custom hiring centres in Madhya Pradesh as ideal. Officers and experts from other states are coming to study this system.