How Safed Musli Cultivation Transformed a Farmer's Life: Madhya Pradesh leads nation in organic farming
Madhya Pradesh stands first in the country in organic farming, sharing more than 27 per cent of India's total organic cultivation. Under the National Mission on Natural Farming, 1.89 lakh farmers have been brought under 1,513 clusters across the state. Farmers practising natural farming are also eligible for a monthly incentive of Rs 900 for rearing indigenous cattle.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav interacted virtually with farmers and appreciated their efforts during the Balram Krishi Mahotsav held in Khargone on Saturday. The farmers said the State Government's initiatives have reinforced the importance of advancing agriculture alongside technological development.
Organic produce is supplied to 13 states
Avinash Dangi, who has been practising organic farming for several years, said his organic produce is supplied to 13 states across the country. He cultivates spice crops such as turmeric, coriander and chilli on his 54-acre farm, where the entire land is managed through organic farming practices.
His farm also houses around 40 indigenous cattle, and all eight members of his family are actively involved in farming. Shri Dangi said the government has extended substantial support to small farmers adopting natural farming. He suggested that since organic farmers do not use subsidised chemical fertilisers, the subsidy amount should instead be provided directly to them.
Safed Musli Cultivation Transforms a Farmer's Life
Farmer Anil Verma, who cultivates white musli, said the State Government's farmer-friendly policies have encouraged him to expand his agricultural activities. He shared that the income earned from white musli cultivation enabled him to send his son, Pritesh, to the United States for higher education. Pritesh is pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Ohio University and has also begun teaching at the same institution. He continues to help his family better understand issues related to modern agriculture and farming.
The Chief Minister appreciated farmers efforts during the Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Khargone and praised their achievements. Farmers expressed admiration for Chief Minister Dr. Yadav's simplicity and his commitment to engaging directly with them.
Growing Demand for White Musli
Anil Verma said that besides white musli, he also cultivates papaya, onion, and soybean. His farm is supported by two wells and a tube well. He said that high-quality white musli enjoys strong market demand, with nearly 1,500 acres under its cultivation in the region, involving around 1,000 farmers. He said farmers can earn an annual profit of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh from white musli cultivation.
Earlier, peeling the musli roots was done manually, requiring significant labour. However, with a 35 per cent subsidy provided by the Central Government for peeling machines, around 50 to 60 farmers in the area have now adopted the mechanised process, reducing labour costs and improving efficiency.