Madhya Pradesh Extends Bhavantar Scheme to Paddy Crop

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has announced that paddy farmers in the state will now also benefit from the Bhavantar Scheme. Under the scheme, the state government will compensate paddy growers for the difference between the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the prevailing market price. The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing the state-level Paddy Festival held at the Seoni district headquarters.

He urged farmers not to depend solely on traditional farming practices. While encouraging them to continue cultivating paddy and wheat, he advised farmers to adopt crop diversification along with livestock rearing and fisheries to create additional sources of income. Referring to the impact of El Niño on this year's monsoon, the Chief Minister said farmers should be prepared for below-normal rainfall and consider cultivating crops such as kodo and kutki millets along with other suitable crops.

On the occasion, Dr. Yadav transferred Rs 2.84 crore directly into the bank accounts of 3,941 farmers as a bonus of Rs 1,000 per quintal for kodo and kutki under the Rani Durgavati Shree Anna Incentive Scheme. He said the state government is providing both MSP and bonus incentives to millet growers and has, for the first time, launched a government procurement campaign for kodo and kutki.

The Chief Minister said efforts are also underway to strengthen the branding, packaging and marketing of kodo and kutki in the state. He noted that Sitahi Kutki and Nagadaman Kutki from Dindori, along with Purple Pigeon Pea (Baingani Arhar), have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Under the Rani Durgavati Shree Anna Incentive Scheme, the government is developing a value chain to improve farmers' market access by strengthening processing, packaging, branding and marketing infrastructure. Through the 'Narmada Millets' brand, Madhya Pradesh aims to establish its millets in both national and international markets.

He also said that under the Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G Scheme, the revamped version of MGNREGA, various development programmes will be implemented across the state. The initiative aims to ensure that farmers and rural job seekers do not face employment-related difficulties. As part of the programme, a large number of Amrit Sarovars (water conservation ponds) will be constructed in villages across Madhya Pradesh.

Highlighting the state's procurement achievements, the Chief Minister said Madhya Pradesh set a new record in wheat procurement this year by purchasing 10.4 million metric tonnes of wheat from more than 1.346 million farmers, who were paid Rs 2,625 per quintal. He added that soybean growers have also benefited under the Bhavantar Scheme.

Dr. Yadav further said the government is taking strict action to eliminate irregularities in fertiliser distribution through the Agritech system, and all district collectors have been directed to ensure smooth fertiliser supply. He also announced that during the Farmer Welfare Year, farmers will be able to obtain an electricity connection for just Rs 5.