MP Cabinet Approves First Kodo-Kutki Procurement

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has taken steps to enhance agricultural support and farmer welfare in 2025. The state government decided to procure millets like Kodo and Kutki directly from farmers in key producing districts. This move aims to strengthen millet cultivation and ensure better income for farmers. Alongside, schemes for soybean farmers and MSME development have also been approved. The government has raised pensioners’ Dearness Relief and expanded youth coaching schemes. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to rural development and economic support.

Millet Procurement Initiative

For the first time, Madhya Pradesh will procure Kodo and Kutki millets from farmers. The procurement targets major producing districts including Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, and others. The Shri Ann Consortium of Farmer-Producer Company Limited will handle the procurement. The target for the Kharif 2025 season is 30,000 metric tonnes. Kutki will be procured at Rs 3,500 per quintal and Kodo at Rs 2,500 per quintal. To support this, the consortium will receive an interest-free loan of Rs 80 crore from the state’s Price Stabilization Fund. Farmers will also get an incentive of Rs 1,000 per quintal through direct benefit transfer. This scheme aims to stabilise millet prices and boost farmer incomes.

Price Deficit Payment Scheme for Soybean

The Cabinet approved the Bhavantar Scheme for soybean farmers. Soybean sales in notified mandis will take place from October 24, 2025, to January 15, 2026. The model price will be calculated using a 14-day weighted average of mandi prices. Farmers will receive the difference between the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 5,238 per quintal and the market price directly via bank transfer. This scheme protects farmers from price fluctuations and ensures minimum income security.

RAMP Program for MSME Development

Madhya Pradesh has agreed to implement the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) program. The total project budget is Rs 105.36 crore, with the state contributing 30% or Rs 31.60 crore. This program, initiated by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, focuses on strengthening MSMEs through capacity building and technological upgrades. It aims to boost employment and industrial growth in the state.

Enhancement of Pensioners’ Dearness Relief

The Cabinet increased the Dearness Relief (DR) for state government pensioners. Under the Seventh Pay Commission, DR rose from 53% to 55%. For the Sixth Pay Commission, it increased from 246% to 252%. These changes are effective from September 1, 2025, with payments starting October 2025. This increase helps pensioners cope with inflation and rising living costs.

Expansion of Youth Coaching Scheme

The Sardar Patel Coaching and Training Scheme, 2021, has been extended. It will provide free pre-examination coaching to 5,000 youth from backward and minority communities. The scheme covers competitive exams related to employment for the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27. This initiative aims to improve access to quality coaching and enhance employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups.