Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav addressed the Balaram Jayanti Mahotsav and Cooperation Conference in Gwalior on September 2, announcing a series of major initiatives designed to transform Madhya Pradesh's agricultural landscape, power infrastructure, and rural economy. Outlining an ambitious vision for the state, the Chief Minister declared that Madhya Pradesh is set to surpass Punjab in agricultural production as the government targets expanding its total irrigated area from 60 lakh hectares to 100 lakh hectares over the next two and a half years. During the event, Dr. Yadav showered flower petals on attending farmers and inaugurated several key digital and banking facilities, including the Online Kisan Credit Card Portal, the Krishak Kavach Yojana, offices for 200 newly registered Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and the divisional branch of Apex Bank in Gwalior.
Expansion of Irrigation Coverage and Surge in Power Generation
Detailing the state's infrastructure advancements at the Gwalior gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav emphasised that enhancing agricultural productivity requires reliable water and energy supply. The state government has pledged to elevate the total irrigated farmland from its current capacity of over 60 lakh hectares to 100 lakh hectares within the next 2.5 years. Additionally, to ease the burden on cultivators who previously had to tend their fields late at night, electricity for irrigation will now be supplied during daylight hours as well, alongside round-the-clock power availability across rural feeders.
Highlighting the state's rapid growth in power generation, Dr. Yadav pointed out that in the 55 years following independence, Madhya Pradesh had managed to build a total power generation capacity of only 5,000 MW. Under subsequent administrations prior to the current regime, the state's installed capacity grew to 25,000 MW. However, within just two and a half years of the current state government's tenure, power generation capacity has expanded by an additional 6,000 MW, taking the total installed capacity to 31,000 MW. Urging farmers not to sell their agricultural land, the Chief Minister asserted that Madhya Pradesh is rapidly positioning itself as the premier agricultural state in the country.
Flexible Loan Repayment Rules and Cooperative Banking Reforms
To relieve financial strain on the farming community, the state government has reformed loan settlement procedures. Under the previous mechanism, farmers were required to clear and renew their bank accounts every six months to maintain credit standing. The government has eliminated this mandatory six-month rollover requirement, allowing farmers the flexibility to deposit their loan repayments at any convenient time throughout the year. Furthermore, the state continues to extend agricultural loans at zero percent interest through the cooperation network.
Strengthening the institutional framework of cooperative banking, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav formally launched the Gwalior divisional branch of Apex Bank alongside newly constructed offices for 200 registered PACS societies across the state. The Chief Minister revealed that the government provided timely financial intervention to rescue 16 cooperative department banks from financial distress and default. To further streamline access to credit, the newly launched Online Kisan Credit Card Portal enables farmers to submit card applications digitally without visiting physical bank branches.
Promoting Horticulture, Dairy Farming, and Allied Agricultural Sectors
Recognising that sustainable agricultural growth requires diversification beyond conventional cereal crops, the state government is introducing schemes to encourage horticulture, livestock rearing, and aquaculture. Under the newly introduced 'Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam' initiative, farmers are being encouraged to cultivate fruit orchards on their land to generate supplementary household income while supporting environmental conservation.
In the livestock sector, a dedicated Gaupalan Scheme has been initiated with the goal of increasing state milk production by 20 percent. To incentivize dairy farmers, the scheme offers a direct government grant of Rs 10 lakh on loans amounting to Rs 40 lakh. Complementary government programs are also actively linking farmers to fisheries, poultry farming, and goat rearing, ensuring that rural households maintain diversified income streams capable of withstanding crop failures.
Student Welfare Schemes, Educational Upgrades, and Youth Employment
Turning to youth development, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting meritorious students and strengthening public education. Students securing more than 75 percent marks in state board examinations have been awarded free laptops. Meanwhile, government school students across Madhya Pradesh continue to receive free textbooks, school uniforms, and bicycles. The government is also constructing state-of-the-art Maharishi Sandipani schools across various districts to elevate educational standards.
Encouraging the younger generation to stay connected to their agrarian roots, Dr. Yadav urged students pursuing professions in medicine, engineering, and technology to maintain their bond with farming, describing agriculture as a vital heritage of Indian culture. He stressed that the state government is aligning its policy framework to transform young people into job creators and entrepreneurs rather than job seekers, backing youth initiatives with industrial subsidies and skill development support.
Infrastructure Push, Highway Connectivity, and Emergency Healthcare
Outlining broader infrastructure investments, the Chief Minister highlighted extensive ongoing road construction projects, including expressways, national highways, and greenfield corridors across Madhya Pradesh. Air and rail connectivity are also undergoing major expansion. For impoverished patients requiring urgent medical treatment, the state government operates a free air ambulance service to transport critically ill individuals to advanced medical centres.
To improve road safety and save lives, the state government implemented the 'Rahveer Scheme', which awards a cash incentive of Rs 25,000 to citizens who assist road accident victims by bringing them safely to nearby hospitals. Dr. Yadav noted that protecting human life remains a paramount priority. He added that railway development projects valued at Rs 1,14,000 crore are currently underway across the state, and recalled that Madhya Pradesh became the first state in India to launch the historic Ken-Betwa river interlinking project.
Economic Performance, Uniform Civil Code, and PM Modi's Milestone
Addressing macroeconomic indicators and governance initiatives, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav noted that India's economy is expanding at a robust GDP growth rate of 7.8 percent, outstripping the growth rates of major developed economies such as the United States and Japan. On social legislation, he affirmed that Madhya Pradesh has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) framework and will continue working progressively in that direction.
Reflecting on national leadership, the Chief Minister pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is completing 25 years of public service this month. Commending the Prime Minister's unblemished record and leadership during complex global challenges, Dr. Yadav stated that PM Modi's vision has instilled renewed hope across the nation while elevating India's global standing.
Addresses by Union Minister Scindia, Speaker Tomar, and Minister Sarang
Speaking at the event, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's agrarian character and the transformative role of cooperative institutions. He noted that dams and reservoirs constructed in the Gwalior-Chambal region have significantly enriched local agriculture. Referring to regional transport, Scindia recalled that the Sheopur narrow-gauge railway line was developed to help farmers transport their produce directly to Gwalior markets, adding that work is underway to extend this rail link from Gwalior to Kota in Rajasthan. He added that future agricultural prosperity will be heavily driven by adoption of renewable energy.
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar stated that Balaram Jayanti has been celebrated in Gwalior for nearly 20 years, and commended Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for institutionalising district-level celebrations across the entire state. Tomar emphasized that national prosperity is intrinsically tied to the financial well-being of the farming community.
Minister for Youth Welfare and Cooperation Vishvas Kailash Sarang informed the audience that the state government has declared the current year as 'Krishak Kalyan Varsh' (Farmer Welfare Year). Working under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi to double farm incomes, the state cooperative department is distributing interest-free loans at zero percent interest while implementing measures to ensure fair crop pricing and turn agriculture into a profitable enterprise.
