Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh highlighted the need for diversification in agriculture beyond traditional crops like horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing to enhance farmers’ income. Madhya Pradesh has become a leading state in agriculture and horticulture, ranking third in vegetable production nationwide. The state witnessed a significant increase in vegetable output over the past four years, from 236.41 lakh metric tonnes to 257.99 lakh metric tonnes.
His remarks underscored the importance of factors such as a conducive climate, fertile land, improved irrigation facilities, and the adoption of modern farming techniques by the state’s farmers. Nationally, India produces approximately 2,177 lakh metric tonnes of vegetables, with Madhya Pradesh contributing around 259 lakh metric tonnes to the total production. The state cultivates a diverse range of vegetables, with a focus on crops like onion, potato, tomato, brinjal, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, okra, and gourds.
In line with the ‘Year of Farmers’ Welfare’ initiative, the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing in Madhya Pradesh aims to expand vegetable cultivation across 54,000 hectares. This expansion plan includes specific targets for various vegetables such as onions, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, cabbage, high-value vegetables, and gourds. The department is committed to providing farmers with technical assistance, quality planting materials, and marketing support, especially targeting small-scale farmers to help them maximize earnings from limited land.
