Challenges



But the story is incomplete. Rural wages still remain among the lowest in MP. Even the farm power consumption is still low despite its increase from 0.84 kw per hectare to 1.54 kw. Farm power in Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat is more than 3 kw per hectare. Farmer suicides especially in the past 2 drought seasons have not stopped

In conclusion, it’s clear that this is sustained by a combination of assured power, de-centralising irrigation, focus on agricultural extension services, popularisation of modern micro-irrigation techniques, promised procurement with adequate compensation and finally the leadership’s focus, even single mindedly, on agriculture.



Heart of the solution lies in the CM’s belief “I have always said agriculture should be about profit - it should be a business.”

The lesson here is for the eastern states lagging behind in productivity. They can really benefit from higher spending on irrigation. Ensuring timely water and electricity could also lead to higher productivity.

The article has taken data from this article from Ashok Gulati published in the Indian Express on 7 December, 2015.