Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday announced development works worth Rs 163 crore for Shamshabad in Vidisha district during a programme that included the inauguration and foundation laying of several projects. The Chief Minister also addressed a Krishak Hitgrahi Sammelan and reiterated the state government’s focus on expanding irrigation facilities for farmers across Madhya Pradesh. As a part of the development package, the Chief Minister inaugurated 41 projects worth nearly Rs 60 crore and performed bhoomipujan for 56 new projects valued at Rs 104.56 crore. These include construction of a Sandipani School in Kurwai and upgradation of Vidisha College at a cost of Rs 15 crore. The State budget has also allocated Rs 116 crore for new road construction in Vidisha district. Dr Yadav said the State Government is working to ensure that irrigation water reaches every farmer’s field. He highlighted that major projects such as the Ken–Betwa River Linking Project and the Parvati–Kalisindh–Chambal Project are contributing to expansion of irrigated areas in the State. According to him, the irrigated area in Madhya Pradesh has increased by 10 lakh hectares over the past two years, bringing the total irrigated land to 55 lakh hectares. The Chief Minister said that the State has become power-surplus and farmers will soon receive electricity for irrigation during daytime. During the programme, he also inaugurated the State’s first district-level fingerprint laboratory in Vidisha aimed at strengthening forensic capabilities at district-level.

 

Dr Yadav launched the skill training programme ‘Navya’ from Vidisha as a pilot initiative designed to promote self-employment among women who have passed class 10. The programme is being implemented in 27 districts across nine states, with Vidisha being the only district from MP. The CM said farmers continue to receive Rs 12,000 annually under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. He noted that Vidisha district is among the leading districts in agricultural production. Under Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana, nearly Rs 1,500 crore has been transferred to soybean farmers, and mustard crops will also be procured under the scheme. The Government also announced a bonus of Rs 600 per quintal on urad (black gram). Wheat will be procured at Rs 2,625 per quintal, including a bonus of Rs 40 per quintal, and the State aims to ensure that farmers receive Rs 2,700 per quintal for wheat by 2028. CM also distributed benefits to beneficiaries under schemes including Ladli Laxmi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Narwai Prabandhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. Among other announcements, Rs 3 crore will be provided for development works in Shamshabad Municipal Council and a new electricity substation will be constructed. Officials said the Sanjay Sagar and Sagarh irrigation projects will also be reviewed for futher development.