Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangu Bhai Patel inspecting the parade on the occasion of Republic Day at Lal Parade Ground, Bhopal on Sunday. Photo Courtesy: Farooqui AM
Madhya Pradesh will observe 2026 as the ‘Year of Agriculture’, Governor Mangubhai Patel said on Monday, as the budget for the sector has increased to ₹27,000 crore over the years.
Patel was addressing a function on the occasion of 77th Republic Day in the state capital.
The Governor said, “India’s economy is based on agriculture and the state government is making multidimensional efforts for the welfare of farmers. 2026 will be celebrated as the Year of Agriculture in Madhya Pradesh, and preparations for the same are already underway.”
He said the budget for agriculture and allied sectors has increased from ₹600 crore in 2002-03 to more than ₹27,000 crore in 2024-25.
“Under the goal of ‘Prosperous Farmer-Prosperous State’, a multi-dimensional model of agricultural development has been adopted which includes 10 activities including technology transfer, income enhancement, natural farming, marketing and export, innovation and digital transparency and will soon be implemented across the state,” he said.
He said that the e-Mandi scheme has been implemented in 259 mandis of the state and 40 lakh farmers have registered.
Patel further said that multi-dimensional efforts are being made to make Madhya Pradesh the dairy capital of the country and to convert animal husbandry into a profitable business.
For destitute cattle, the per animal grant in gaushalas has been increased from ₹20 to ₹40, he said, adding that the budget provision has increased from ₹250 crore to ₹505 crore.
The Governor also said that Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana will prove helpful in achieving the ambitious target of increasing Madhya Pradesh’s contribution in national milk production from 9 percent to 20 percent.
He said at least 1,200 new milk cooperative societies have been formed in the state and the procurement price is being increased from ₹2.50 to ₹8.50 per litre.
Patel said the government was making efforts to provide housing and basic amenities to poor families, and added that last year more than 11 lakh houses were sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, of which four lakh have been completed.
He said the government has targeted to build about 5.25 lakh houses and has sanctioned more than Rs 21,000 crore under the Mukhyamantri Majra-Tola Yojana to connect about 20,000 habitations with roads.
Patel said, under the Prime Minister Tribal Justice Maha Abhiyan, construction of 55 roads in 24 districts has been completed.
Moreover, the Guarantee for Vikas Bharat-Employment and Livelihood Mission (VB-G RAM G) will ensure 125 days of employment instead of 100 under MNREGA, he said.
The Governor also highlighted the steps taken by the government to make school education accessible and effective and pointed out that the dropout rate at the elementary level has reduced from 6 per cent to zero in 2024-25.
The state government is paying for the education of about 8.5 lakh students studying in private schools, he said, while 369 Sandipani schools have been established in the state, of which 107 buildings have been completed and 154 buildings will be built by March.
He said a total of 94,234 students who scored more than 75 percent marks in the Class 12 board exams have been given laptops worth Rs 25,000.
Patel said that the state government has also taken important steps for wildlife conservation.
Madhav National Park in Shivpuri has been declared the ninth tiger reserve, and the government has also established Dr Bhimrao Sanctuary in Sagar district and Jahangir Sanctuary in Sheopur district.
Nauradehi sanctuary is being developed as the third habitat of cheetahs, he said, adding that the move has not only boosted tourism but also created employment opportunities for the residents.
Speaking about the steps taken to promote investment and industrialization in the state, Patel said the government has simplified laws and removed unnecessary regulations to speed up industrial growth.
He said that the Public Trust Act 2024 and 2025 and deregulation have ensured ease of doing business and setting up industries in Madhya Pradesh.
The Governor inspected the traditional parade and saw the tableaux of various departments showcasing the achievements of the State.
Republic Day celebrations were also held at divisional and district headquarters, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav hoisting the tricolor in his hometown Ujjain and Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Deora in Indore.
Published on January 26, 2026
