MP CM outlines G RAM G, declares 2026 as agriculture year
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said the comprehensive development of villages, the poor and farmers is the core priority of the State government, as he outlined key features of the Viksit Bharat (VB) G RAM G scheme and announced that 2026 will be observed as the Agriculture Welfare Year.
The chief minister was addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party State office in Bhopal, along with BJP State president Hemant Khandelwal.
Addressing mediapersons here at the State BJP headquarters, Yadav said the government’s fundamental objective is to make villages, farmers and economically weaker sections prosperous and self-reliant. To achieve this, 2026 will be dedicated entirely to agriculture welfare, with focused efforts on expanding agriculture-based industries and employment opportunities.
He said the State government will work in close coordination with all departments, voluntary organisations, institutions and individuals associated with the agriculture sector to ensure tangible benefits reach farmers on the ground.
He said more than 15 major departments will play an active role during the Agriculture Welfare Year under the leadership of the Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Department. These include horticulture and food processing, animal husbandry and dairy, fisheries, water resources, cooperation, energy, revenue, forest, cottage and village industries, MSME, food and civil supplies, panchayat and rural development, new and renewable energy, the Narmada Valley Development Authority, industrial policy and investment promotion.
Agencies such as the mandi board, seed corporation, MP Agro, dairy federations, Markfed, MP Warehousing and Logistics Corporation and the rural livelihoods mission will jointly carry out employment-oriented development activities to strengthen farmer incomes and rural livelihoods.
Explaining the Viksit Bharat (VB) G RAM G scheme, the chief minister said the Centre has enacted the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, 2025, to ensure all-around development of villages and provide assured employment at the gram level.
Under the new Act, each rural family is legally guaranteed 125 days of employment in a financial year, an increase from the earlier 100-day guarantee.
He said the scheme would significantly benefit poor families, agricultural labourers and farmers, while also accelerating village-level development.
Yadav said the scheme also addresses the long-standing issue of labour shortage during peak farming seasons.
Under VB G RAM G, adequate availability of agricultural labour will be ensured during crucial periods such as sowing and harvesting. States have been given the provision to notify up to 60 days in a year, allowing employment to be aligned with the busiest agricultural phases. During this notified period, no other works under the Act will be undertaken, ensuring focused support to farming activities.
