Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that paddy farmers in the state will receive a financial incentive of ₹2,000 per hectare, directly transferred to their bank accounts. The initiative aims to provide financial relief to farmers and encourage paddy cultivation, with small farmers also being eligible for this benefit.
The government’s decision comes as paddy remains a key crop in Madhya Pradesh, especially in the eastern region. Balaghat district, known as the “paddy bowl” of the state, is the largest producer. Around 22% of the total agricultural land in Madhya Pradesh is used for paddy cultivation. The financial assistance is expected to help farmers manage rising costs and improve their earnings.
According to the Directorate of Farmers Welfare and Agriculture, Madhya Pradesh had 3.4 million hectares of land under paddy cultivation in 2021-22. During this period, the state produced 12.5 million tonnes of rice. In comparison, wheat was grown on 9.8 million hectares, yielding 35.7 million tonnes.
Currently, paddy cultivation is underway in over 40 lakh hectares across the state. Several districts, including Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Harda, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Sheopur, Datia, Shivpuri, and Guna, are well-known for paddy farming. The Phanda block in Bhopal district is also a significant paddy-growing area due to its proximity to the Bhoj Wetland.
In recent years, many farmers in Madhya Pradesh have shifted to paddy cultivation due to extreme weather affecting other crops, particularly soybeans. Heavy rainfall and rising temperatures have damaged soybean crops, forcing farmers to look for alternative options.
Data from the Economic Survey of Madhya Pradesh indicates a steady increase in the area under paddy cultivation over the past four years, while soybean farming has been on the decline. The state government’s incentive scheme is expected to further boost paddy farming and support farmers facing climate challenges.
The direct financial support aims to strengthen the rural economy and ensure a stable income for paddy growers. With paddy playing a crucial role in the state’s agriculture, the government’s initiative is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across Madhya Pradesh.
The area used for paddy farming in Madhya Pradesh grew by 12% in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21. Paddy production also increased from 12,502 thousand metric tonnes in 2020-21 to 13,193 thousand metric tonnes in 2021-22, which is a 5.53% rise. On average, the state has produced 80.87 lakh metric tonnes of paddy every year over the last ten years.
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