Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alongside Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a slew of development projects worth crores of rupees in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. The event, held in Sehore on June 8, 2025, marked a significant push toward rural and agricultural development in the region.
Addressing a large gathering, Minister Chouhan emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047. “We will leave no stone unturned to fulfill the Prime Minister’s dream. The development of villages is central to the nation’s progress, and this journey needs the active participation of every citizen,” he said.
Highlighting major infrastructure initiatives, Chouhan announced ongoing efforts to bring Narmada river water to Sehore. He assured the public that water would soon reach the region, benefiting farmers in Ashta and Ichhawar through improved irrigation.
On urban development, Chouhan shared that Bhopal is being elevated to metropolitan city status—a move that will also catalyze growth in neighboring Sehore through enhanced connectivity and shared development.
The minister also made significant announcements under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). While 14 lakh houses were previously approved based on the 2018+ list, Chouhan declared the approval of an additional 7,85,356 houses. He assured that survey and verification work is ongoing to ensure that all eligible poor families receive proper housing.
In terms of rural employment, Chouhan revealed that Madhya Pradesh is set to receive approximately Rs6,262 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) this year.
Praising the success of women empowerment schemes, the minister proudly stated that 1.48 crore women across India have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women earning Rs 1 lakh or more annually. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding this initiative and ensuring no woman remains in poverty.
Chouhan also spoke about the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, under which 16,000 agricultural scientists have been mobilized to visit rural areas and share their research directly with farmers. “Our mission is to transform agriculture into a developed sector. I urge farmers to adopt scientific practices to increase productivity and contribute to a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav echoed these sentiments and assured the people of comprehensive irrigation support. “Irrigation facilities will reach every farm, and where needed, full assistance will be provided to ensure complete water supply,” the CM stated.
