Unnat Krishi Mela in Raisen draws massive confluence of farmers from across Madhya Pradesh; Rajnath Singh, Shivraj, CM Mohan Yadav inaugurate
In a momentous occasion at the sprawling Dussehra Maidan in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, the three-day Unnat Krishi Mela (Advanced Agriculture Festival), Exhibition, and Training programme commenced on Saturday with great pomp and ceremony.
The inauguration was jointly conducted by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav, and Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
This grand event brought together thousands of farmers from various districts across Madhya Pradesh, along with leading agricultural scientists, domain experts, and representatives from agriculture and allied sectors, all converging on a single platform to share knowledge, innovations, and actionable insights for modern farming.
From the dais, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began by humbly bowing his head in reverence to the assembled ‘annadatas’ – the brothers and sisters who provide grain to the nation – “standing on the blessed soil of Raisen”.
With strong conviction, he asserted that this Advanced Agriculture Festival being hosted in Raisen would not merely offer benefits to farmer brothers and sisters but would fundamentally transform the picture of their lives, ushering in prosperity and empowerment.
Extending hearty congratulations to the key organiser, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, he praised the event as a highly focused, thematic initiative truly worthy of admiration for its singular dedication to farmers’ welfare.
Elaborating further, Rajnath Singh articulated that farmers cultivate far more than just food grains; they are the very foundation sustaining the nation’s entire economy, generating employment across sectors, and fuelling industries of all kinds.
He explained how the three core pillars of the economy – primary (agriculture and livestock), secondary (manufacturing and industry), and tertiary (services) – all draw their vitality directly from the farmers' fields.
To drive home the point, he painted a comprehensive picture: a farmer sows and harvests wheat, which is then transported by trucks to bustling mandis (markets), processed in flour mills, and transformed into products at biscuit and bread factories where labourers operate sophisticated machinery. From there, the goods undergo packaging, further transportation, and distribution through retail networks to reach consumers' tables.
In this intricate chain, if even the initial step – the farmer growing wheat – falters, the entire system would stagger and collapse. With this irrefutable logic, he declared with full confidence that farmers are the true drivers of the economy.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan opened his address by celebrating the sacred soil of Raisen, clarifying that today’s gathering transcends a conventional political rally or mere public meeting. He said Raisen’s traditions, policies, affection, identity, pride, and the radiant smiles of its people are all uniquely distinctive
Shivraj said that in the grand national ‘yajna’ for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Defence and Agriculture stand as equally indispensable pillars.
Shivraj said for me, farmers are divine, and the people are my supreme deities. Addressing farmers specifically from Raisen, Vidisha, Sehore, and Dewas districts, Shivraj earnestly urged a shift from conventional grain-focused agriculture to holistic integrated farming models. He said this mela is envisioned as a true learning school, far beyond mere speeches or ceremonial events
Shivraj said the Central Government has approves opening 55 pulse processing mills across the state.
Launch of the revolutionary new Soil/eFARM mobile application
Shivraj Singh Chouhan spotlighted the brand-new Soil/eFARM mobile app, a game-changer for farmers: simply walk through fields with a smartphone, and it instantly reveals soil nutrient profiles along with exact fertiliser dosage recommendations. This scientific tool eliminates outdated practices like ‘If Ramlal used one bag, so does Shyamlal’, promoting precision nutrient management that curtails wasteful expenditure, optimises yields, and safeguards soil health.
Shivraj called upon farmers to participate in the three-day sessions with utmost seriousness, absorb the learnings, and overhaul their farming practices accordingly – for achieving high incomes from limited land through diversified cropping is the festival's core mission. Personally committing, he stated he would remain on-site all three days, actively attending various sessions rather than delivering speeches and departing; he exhorted farmers likewise to engage dynamically as per the schedule.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, in his address, declared that the governance ethos nationwide has undergone a complete metamorphosis: silos between departments have dissolved, replaced by integrated, mission-driven operations – all fruits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative vision and work style.
Amid thunderous applause, he congratulated Shivraj Singh Chouhan, noting his track record of winning six assembly and six parliamentary seats, and his hallmark of successfully advancing every responsibility entrusted to him.
During the Mahotsav, farmers will receive information on integrated farming, which can generate an income of up to ₹2 lakh per acre. Around 20 sessions have been organised on various agricultural topics, providing guidance from seed to market. The festival aims to transform the future of farmers in the region.