The
State is primarily an agriculture State. About 73% population of the state is
rural, which is directly or indirectly depends on agriculture. Thus Agriculture
Sector is the main Stay of the State economy. The Agriculture and allied
services contributes about 44% share in state economy and 78% of its working
force is directly engaged in Agriculture.
After the independence of the country in 1947, the new Madhya Pradesh was
formed on 1st Nov. 1956 after by merging the old Madhya Bharat, Bhopal State,
Mahakaushal State and Vindhya Pradesh and on 1st Biv, 1956. With the formation
of Madhya Pradesh the problem of improving Agriculture was taken up seriously.
During the year 1956-57 the State was facing an acute shortage of not only food
to eat but also for Agricultural raw materials for industries.
The national programmes were implemented in the state viz for agriculture
development GMF campaign, community Development programme, National Extension
Service etc.
During Early Sixties Intensive area programme (IAP) was introduced, in which
concerted efforts were made in specific areas for exploiting the available
resources for Agriculture Development of the state.
Introduction of High Yielding varieties in the year 1964 served as a fillip in
a real break through for the food grain production. This resulted in following
notable developments.
. Development of suitable production technology and package approach for
different-crops.
. Intensification of research for developing better H.Y.Strains
.
Creation of infrastructure to support production programmes. By the above
programme the state could march ahead on the path of self sufficiency
particularly in food grains. The food grains production increased form 8.9
million tonnes in 1964-65 to 10.8 million tonnes in 1970-71 and now it has
reached to 16.0 million tonnes in 1999-2000 after separation of Chhatisgarh
from Madhya Pradesh.
The
Introduction of Soybean in the State during eighties, boost the oilseed
production & thereby improvement in the economic condition of the farmers,
as it fetches high prices. The Soybean Production during seventies was only
1970 metric tonnes reached to 2 million tonnes in eighties and may touch to 4.4
million tonnes by the end of 20th century. Thus in this way the Agriculture in
the State developed a lot after independence.
After separation of Chhattisgarh from the state on 1st Nov. 2000, the total
Geographical area of the state is 30.75 million hectares, which is divided in
to 45 districts of the States. (Earlier it was 61) and 12 revenue division. The
state has 313 development Blocks which are the units for development
activities. The forests occupies in the States 8.49 million hectares which is
27.2 % of the Geographical area of the state where as the cultivated area is
about 49 %.
The Department of Agriculture is responsible for the formulation and
implementation of State policies and programmes aimed at achieving rapid
agricultural growth through optimum utilization of the country's land, water,
soil and plant resources.
The Department undertakes all possible measures to ensure timely and adequate
supply of inputs and services such as fertilizers, seeds, pesticides,
agricultural implements and also to provide agricultural credit, crop insurance
and ensure remunerative returns to the farmer for his agricultural produce.
The
Department is entrusted with the responsibility for collection and maintenance
of a wide range of statistical and economic data relating to agriculture,
required for development planning, organizing agricultural census, assisting
and advising the States in undertaking scarcity relief measures and in
management of natural calamities e.g. flood, drought, cyclone, etc.
The
Department is also responsible for the formulation of overall cooperative
policy in the state and training relating to state training centers and NGO's
to farmers. The Department also participates in activities of international
organizations, for fostering bilateral cooperation in agricultural and allied
sectors and for promotion of export in agricultural commodities
Add-on Major Strategies
Massive soil and water conservation measures through national watershed
development programme
1. Irrigation development through- New medium irrigation schemes, minor flow
schemes small irrigation tank, through soil conservation scheme.
2. Wells and tube wells in valley regions.
Rationalization of cropping through Crop substitution in up land rice area and
coarse cereals.
1. Crop area diversification towards fruit crop and other export oriented
