Paddy farmers in Madhya Pradesh have received a major boost as the state government has announced a bonus of ₹2,000 per hectare. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav made this announcement, which is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across the state. This initiative aims to support small and economically weaker farmers, encouraging paddy cultivation and improving their financial conditions.
The bonus amount will be directly transferred to the farmers' bank accounts within this year. The Chief Minister made this declaration during the unveiling ceremony of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statue in Naurozabad, Umaria district.
Alongside the paddy bonus, the Chief Minister also made a significant announcement for wheat farmers. The state government has decided to purchase wheat at ₹2,600 per quintal, which includes an additional bonus of ₹175 per quintal over the minimum support price (MSP). The central government has set the MSP for wheat at ₹2,425 per quintal for 2025-26, but Madhya Pradesh farmers will receive extra financial support from the state government.
The state government has also announced a scheme to provide solar pumps to farmers, allowing them to irrigate their crops without electricity constraints. Under this scheme, both the central and state governments will provide a 30% subsidy each, while farmers will need to cover the remaining 40%. Out of this, 30% can be availed as a bank loan, meaning farmers will only have to bear 10% of the total cost from their own pockets.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, the government has decided to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) with 169 farmers. These farmers will set up a 100 MW solar power plant and sell electricity to the government at ₹3.25 per unit. The formal agreement will be signed on February 21 and 22, 2025.
Bonus and Support for Dairy Farmers:
The state government has also taken an initiative to support dairy farmers. Farmers supplying milk to government dairies will now receive a ₹5 per liter bonus. This move will directly benefit registered dairy farmers and promote dairy farming in the state.
Special Grant for Cattle Rearing:
To support stray and shelterless cattle, the government has announced the establishment of new gaushalas (cow shelters). Each cow will receive a daily allowance of ₹40. Additionally, farmers rearing 10 or more cows will be eligible for a special subsidy.
Other Key Announcements by the Chief Minister:
These initiatives highlight the state government’s commitment to improving the lives of farmers and residents. The newly introduced schemes will not only benefit farmers but also accelerate overall development in Madhya Pradesh.