Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Madhya Pradesh has come out of the 'Bimaru' category under the leadership of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He lauded the campaign for development launched by Chouhan. Modi was addressing National Krishi Karman Award distribution function at Suratgarh in Rajasthan on Thursday.
The Prime Minister gave away the Krishi Karman Award to Madhya Pradesh for maximum increase in wheat production. The award comprises Rs2 crore, a trophy and a citation. Chouhan was scheduled to receive this award, but could not attend the programme since air traffic control did not allow him air travel due to inclement weather. Senior officers of the Union Ministry of Agriculture received the award on behalf of Madhya Pradesh. It will be sent to Madhya Pradesh later.
The Prime Minister said that Madhya Pradesh has made miraculous achievements in agriculture sector. The area under irrigation has been increased in the State. Besides, modern farming techniques and methods have been promoted. Due to its agriculture growth, Madhya Pradesh has surpassed States in Ganga and Yamuna basins in agriculture sector.
The Prime Minister gave away Individual Krishi Karman Awards to two farmers of Madhya Pradesh for registering maximum increase in wheat productivity including Bhopal district's Manohar Patidar and Khandwa district's Rekha Soni. It is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh has got this prestigious award for the third consecutive year for excellent performance in agriculture production. Madhya Pradesh was conferred this award for excellence in overall foodgrains production in the years 2011-12 and 2012-13. Krishi Karman Award for year 2013-14 has been conferred on Madhya Pradesh for excellence in wheat production. Madhya Pradesh achieved 19.85 per cent growth rate in 2011-12, 20.16 per cent in 2012-13 and 24.99 per cent (provisional) in 2013-14.
During year 2013-14 174.78 lakh MT wheat was produced in the State, which is 20.15 per cent more than last year. The average increase of 29.76 quintal per hectare was also registered in wheat productivity, which was also 20.15 per cent more than last year. Wheat is grown in 57 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh. As much as 200 lakh MT wheat is estimated to be produced in the State in 2014-15.