The programme is designed to promote inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural development while strengthening rural economies through entrepreneurship, technology adoption and market linkages. Officials described the initiative as a significant step towards transforming agriculture at the grassroots level and creating new opportunities for rural youth.

Launching the programme, Chouhan said the vision of a developed India cannot be achieved without a strong agricultural sector and prosperous villages. He stressed that the government’s objective extends beyond increasing crop production and includes reducing cultivation costs, improving farm incomes and encouraging crop diversification.

According to the minister, small and marginal farmers face growing challenges in relying solely on traditional farming practices. He said greater emphasis is needed on value addition, food processing and agriculture-based enterprises to make farming more profitable and sustainable.

“Pragati” seeks to address these concerns by building a network of trained agri-entrepreneurs who will provide support services at the village level. These entrepreneurs are expected to assist farmers with soil testing, farm mechanisation, financial access, market connectivity and adoption of modern agricultural practices.

The initiative will initially be implemented across key agricultural states, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam and Jharkhand. These states account for a significant share of India’s farming population and include a large number of small landholding farmers.

Officials said the programme will focus on enhancing productivity while helping farmers diversify their income sources. Alongside crop cultivation, emphasis will be placed on horticulture, livestock farming, fisheries and beekeeping. The government believes such diversification can provide additional revenue streams and reduce dependence on a single source of farm income.

Chouhan highlighted the growing role of technology in agriculture and said future growth would depend on scientific farming methods and digital solutions. He pointed to the increasing use of drones, precision agriculture tools and digital advisory platforms as important drivers of efficiency and productivity in the sector.

The initiative also places strong emphasis on climate-sensitive farming practices. As weather-related uncertainties continue to affect agricultural output in several regions, policymakers are looking at ways to build resilience through better planning, improved resource management and technology-driven interventions.

Women’s participation has been identified as a key component of the programme. Chouhan said a large number of women agri-entrepreneurs and “Krishi Sakhis” would be integrated into the initiative to strengthen community-level outreach and support farmers more effectively.

He noted that empowering rural women through agricultural entrepreneurship could have a multiplier effect on village economies and social development. According to programme planners, locally trained entrepreneurs can serve as a bridge between government schemes, scientific institutions and farming communities.

The minister described the initiative as more than a government scheme, calling it a mission to create self-reliant and economically vibrant villages. He said efforts are also underway to develop state-specific agricultural roadmaps and promote scientific crop planning to improve long-term sustainability and profitability in the sector.

With agriculture continuing to support a large share of India’s population, policymakers view initiatives such as “Pragati” as crucial to increasing rural incomes, generating employment and accelerating the broader goal of inclusive economic growth.

The international BRICS Agriculture Conference commenced in Indore on Tuesday, bringing together agriculture ministers, senior officials, and experts from nearly 20 countries. Hosted by India in its capacity as BRICS president, the five-day event from June 9 to 13 is expected to shape future global cooperation in food security and sustainable farming.

The gathering assumes significance as BRICS nations collectively account for a substantial share of the world’s agricultural resources. Central Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that the group holds about 42% of global agricultural land, 68% of agricultural holdings, and 42% of food production, positioning the Indore meet as a key platform for influencing worldwide agricultural policies.

India-Russia Bilateral Engagement

In the first session on Tuesday, a bilateral meeting between India and Russia took centre stage. Discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, expanding agricultural trade, and promoting technical collaboration for sustainable development. Officials explored strengthening food supply chains, improving market access, and advancing joint research on climate-resilient farming practices. Sources familiar with the meeting described the talks as constructive, reflecting a shared commitment to bolster strategic partnership in agriculture.

Focus on Key Global Challenges

The conference will address four major themes: food security, nutrition and livelihoods; agricultural trade and international cooperation; climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture; and innovation and partnerships in agri-food systems. Particular attention is being paid to challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, access to credit, market linkages, and adoption of modern technologies.

Detailed Schedule for Ministerial-Level Discussions

Over the coming days, the Agriculture Working Group will deliberate on a draft joint declaration. The ministerial dialogue is scheduled for June 12, with the theme ‘Ensuring Future Food Security through Small Farmers, Women and Youth’. On June 13, the main BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting will conclude the event with the adoption of key recommendations.

Delegates are also set to participate in a symbolic ‘BRICS Vatika’ initiative, involving collective tree planting to underscore commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Cultural Immersion for International Delegates

Foreign participants will get a taste of Indore and the Malwa region’s rich heritage. Planned visits include Rajwada Palace, Chhappan Dukan, Sarafa Bazaar, and the historic Mandu fort. One delegate group had already enjoyed local cuisine at Chhappan Dukan a day before the formal start.

For Madhya Pradesh, the event presents a major opportunity to position itself as a hub for global agriculture, food processing, and investment. Experts believe successful outcomes could boost the state’s export potential and attract new collaborations in agri-innovation.

Looking Ahead

As the conference progresses, expectations are high for concrete outcomes on reducing food loss, tackling climate change impacts, and empowering women and youth in agriculture. The final document from the ministerial meeting is likely to outline actionable steps for enhanced BRICS cooperation in the sector.

The Indore BRICS Agriculture Conference comes at a time when global food systems face multiple pressures, from climate variability to supply chain disruptions. India’s proactive hosting reflects its growing role in shaping multilateral agricultural agendas.

MP Plastic Parks Promised 30,000 Jobs, Delivered 274

Parliament data exposes a glaring gap between government claims and ground reality at two centrally-funded industrial clusters in Madhya Pradesh

A Question That Shook Parliament

A question raised in the Lok Sabha has exposed a deep disconnect between official promises and the actual outcomes of two flagship industrial projects in Madhya Pradesh. BJP MP Anita Nagar Singh Chauhan from the Ratlam–Jhabua constituency sought details about the performance of plastic park clusters set up in the state with central government assistance. The data tabled in Parliament paints a sobering picture: combined spending of over ₹177 crore across two parks, infrastructure fully built at both sites, and yet barely 274 jobs to show for it all.

Tamot Park: Infrastructure Ready, Outcomes Absent

The Plastic Park at Tamot in Raisen district was sanctioned in 2013 with a total outlay of ₹108 crore, including a ₹40 crore central grant. Civil infrastructure at the site is fully complete, and 33 plots have been allotted to prospective industrial units. Private investment so far stands at ₹68.75 crore. Despite this, the park has generated only 274 direct jobs — a fraction of what was envisioned when the project was conceived.

Promises Made From a High Stage

The foundation stone of the Tamot park was laid on June 5, 2015, in the presence of then Union Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Officials at the event projected that the cluster would house over 100 industrial units, generate more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, and attract investment worth approximately ₹713 crore. Those figures have not materialised in the decade since.

Bilaua: Zero Employment Despite Full Completion

The situation at the Bilaua Plastic Park in Gwalior district is arguably worse. The park was developed at a cost of ₹68.72 crore, with the central government contributing ₹34.36 crore. Infrastructure work at Bilaua is fully complete — yet only five plots have been allotted, private investment amounts to just ₹2.54 crore, and according to data placed before Parliament, not a single job has been created so far.

Ambitious Targets, No Takers

Around the time of its announcement in 2016, the Bilaua Plastic Park was projected to provide employment to nearly 10,000 people and generate investment and turnover of up to ₹1,000 crore. As per reports, the park has failed to attract meaningful private participation despite the government completing its end of the bargain — the land development and civil infrastructure.

Why the Gap Remains Wide

Sources indicated that inadequate industry outreach, limited post-allotment handholding, and weak logistics connectivity may have contributed to low investor uptake at both sites. The Plastic Parks scheme was designed by the central government to create dedicated clusters for small and medium plastic manufacturers, enabling them to benefit from shared infrastructure and economies of scale. However, as official data confirms, the conversion from allotment to actual production and employment has been far slower than anticipated in Madhya Pradesh.

Public Money, Unmet Obligations

Together, the two parks have received substantial public funding — central and state — yet the employment outcomes remain negligible relative to what was promised. Opposition leaders are expected to raise the issue in upcoming state assembly sessions, questioning whether the government conducted adequate due diligence before making commitments at high-profile launch events. According to officials, efforts to attract additional investors to both parks are ongoing, though no fresh timeline has been indicated publicly.

What Comes Next

The Madhya Pradesh government has not yet issued a formal response to the parliamentary disclosures. The central Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, which oversees the Plastic Parks scheme nationally, is likely to face pressure to review the monitoring mechanisms for such cluster projects. With the state gearing up for continued investment outreach under various industrial programmes, the performance gap at Tamot and Bilaua may become a benchmark in debates over accountability in publicly funded infrastructure schemes.

When Elected Representatives & Godmen Fail the Road Test — Shakya's 'Prasad' Remark and Shastri's Storm Explained

Some politicians seemingly cannot resist the microphone, even when it is placed directly in front of a landmine. In Madhya Pradesh in March 2026, two public figures have done exactly that — and the political fallout is still echoing through the corridors of Bhopal.

Welcome to another edition of Baat Khari Hai — where we call it as it is.

Pannalal Shakya's 'Prasad' Remark: The Full Story

Guna BJP legislator Pannalal Shakya used objectionable language at a government event in Guna, targeting the District Collector and saying: "Yahan saale hum mandir mein khade hain, humein prasad hi nahin mil raha" — loosely meaning, "We elected representatives are standing in the temple and not even getting our share of prasad."

The remark was made at a press conference alongside Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar, who had gathered reporters to discuss the state budget. When a journalist posed the "selected vs elected" question to Shakya, the MLA used the occasion to fire a public salvo against bureaucrats — the "selected" government servants — claiming they dominate over the "elected" representatives like himself.

On the surface, his frustration may resonate with many elected public representatives across India. The friction between politicians and the IAS bureaucracy is real and well-documented. But the way Shakya chose to express that frustration — with crude language, at a public forum, in front of cameras — is precisely why he is once again in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Not His First Rodeo — A Pattern of Controversy

Shakya is a two-term BJP MLA from the reserved Guna constituency and is known to be closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. ANI News Yet, remarkably, his RSS connection has done little to install ideological discipline in his public speech.

In July 2024, Shakya sparked nationwide controversy when he told an audience at the inauguration of the Prime Minister College of Excellence: "College ki degree se kuch nahi hone wala — ek puncture ki dukaan khol lena" (A college degree won't do much for you — just open a puncture repair shop). ANI News The statement, made while literally standing inside a college his own government had built, baffled both educators and politicians alike.

In September 2025, the party leadership expressed anger at Shakya's statement predicting a civil war-like situation in India, similar to unrest seen in Nepal and Bangladesh. BJP state media cell chief Ashish Agarwal publicly stated the party disagreed with the remarks, and said leadership had taken cognizance of the situation.

Yet here we are again in March 2026. Third controversy. Same MLA. Zero consequences.

The Dhirendra Shastri Connection — Faith, Power, and Political Fire

Into this already charged environment stepped Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, whose words have a near-miraculous ability to generate political firestorms.

Shastri, born in 1996 in Chhatarpur district, is the current leader of Bageshwar Dham and an influential self-styled godman known for his preaching of the Ramcharitmanas and Shiva Purana. Business Standard He commands a massive following — and an equally massive ability to polarise.

His latest controversial statement has angered leaders across the political spectrum, including senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, veteran Congress strategist Digvijaya Singh, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. When a single statement manages to unite three otherwise opposing political figures in irritation, you know the remark has crossed a line that most public figures know better than to approach.

The commonality between Shakya's "prasad" remark and Shastri's latest provocation is stark: both are men with significant public platforms, both command the trust and faith of large communities, and both have chosen to deploy that trust recklessly.

Why BJP's "Road Test" Keeps Failing

The BJP had specifically provided training to its legislators on speaking with caution, and when Hemant Khandelwal became state party president, he personally advised lawmakers to avoid controversy-courting statements. But training and advice have had little impact on repeat offenders.

This is the central issue. When there are no real consequences — no suspension, no public censure, no ticket denial — the training means nothing. Shakya has been controversial since 2018 when he suggested that girls should avoid having boyfriends in order to prevent assault. ANI News That was eight years ago. He has since been re-elected, rewarded with the party ticket again in 2023, and has continued making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Opinion: The Road Test Must Have Real Consequences

The "road test" metaphor is apt. In a driving test, if you fail — repeatedly — you don't get the licence. In Indian politics, however, controversy has a bizarre ability to become a career asset rather than a liability.

Shakya's complaint about bureaucrats overriding elected representatives is a legitimate governance debate that deserves serious discussion. Instead, his crude framing has buried that conversation under a pile of outrage. Similarly, Dhirendra Shastri's massive influence could be channelled toward social upliftment — but inflammatory statements transform faith into friction.

Even within Congress, Rahul Gandhi has had to publicly call out Digvijaya Singh's own miscalculated remarks — with Gandhi quipping "you did a mischief" after Singh publicly praised the RSS-BJP organisational structure just before a crucial Congress Working Committee meeting. TheQuint Nobody — across any party — is immune to this problem of speaking first and thinking later.

What This Moment Demands

• From the BJP leadership: Clear, enforceable action against repeat offenders — not just press statements of disagreement
• From Dhirendra Shastri: An acknowledgment that mass faith comes with mass responsibility
• From the media ecosystem: Less amplification of outrage, more interrogation of substance
• From voters: Demand accountability at the ballot box, where it matters most

Bottom Line

Madhya Pradesh's political theatre this week has given us a BJP MLA complaining about not getting his "prasad," a godman whose words have angered every major political figure in the state, and yet another reminder that public platforms in India desperately need stronger guardrails.

The road test keeps getting failed. The question is whether anyone in authority is finally ready to cancel the licence.

Madhya Pradesh is in the middle of a political storm. The Mohan Yadav government is reportedly reconsidering the Take Home Ration scheme — a flagship nutrition programme built during Shivraj Singh Chouhan's 18-year reign. But as the two BJP heavyweights play out their differences, the real question is: who pays the price?

What Is the Take Home Ration Scheme, First?

The Take Home Ration — or THR — scheme is a government nutrition programme that delivers ready-to-eat or raw fortified food packets directly to the doorsteps of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children between six months and three years of age. It was designed to eliminate the old problem of beneficiaries having to travel to Anganwadi centres to collect their ration.

Under Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the MP Take Home Ration scheme became one of the most visible welfare programmes in the state's remote districts. Now, the Mohan Yadav government is talking about reviewing the entire policy structure — and that is where the political trouble begins.

Mohan vs Shivraj — A Battle Inside the BJP?

This is not simply a question of administrative efficiency. It reflects a deeper tension between two powerful leaders sharing the same political roof. On one side is Shivraj Singh Chouhan — now Union Agriculture Minister but still a dominant force in MP's political landscape. On the other is Mohan Yadav — who became Chief Minister in December 2023 and is clearly trying to establish his own identity beyond Shivraj's shadow.

Congress leader Umang Singhar has directly alleged that the friction between the two is visibly damaging governance. When leaders within the same party settle political scores at the top, it is the people waiting for ration at the bottom who suffer the consequences.

Who Really Loses If This Scheme Changes?

The beneficiaries of the THR scheme are among the most vulnerable sections of society — and that is precisely what makes this debate so serious. Any disruption to the scheme directly affects:

• Children aged 6 to 36 months — who receive fortified nutrition packets
• Pregnant women — for whom this ration is critical during pregnancy
• Lactating mothers — who need the highest calorie support
• Severely malnourished children — identified and tracked at Anganwadi centres

Madhya Pradesh continues to report alarmingly high rates of stunting and wasting among children under five. In this context, even a short disruption in ration delivery has lasting consequences on child development — consequences that cannot be reversed years later with political apologies.

The Corruption Cloud That Never Fully Lifted

The MP Take Home Ration scheme has not had a clean record. The State Accountant General's audit report previously flagged serious irregularities — delivery vehicles listed as trucks turned out to be motorcycles and ordinary cars. In plain terms, ration was never delivered but was recorded as delivered on paper.

Congress had used these findings to corner Shivraj Singh Chouhan during his tenure. Now that the Mohan government is framing this as a "reconsideration," a legitimate question arises — is this a genuine governance correction, or is it political distancing from Shivraj's legacy? Either way, shutting down or disrupting the scheme is not an answer. Fixing it is.

Delhi Is Watching — The POSHAN 2.0 Pressure

The Centre's POSHAN 2.0 framework and the Union Budget 2026-27's allocation of Rs 23,100 crore for Saksham Anganwadi and nutrition programmes send a clear message — states are expected to strengthen their THR delivery chains, not weaken them.

Both NITI Aayog and the World Food Programme have specifically recommended THR reforms for states like Madhya Pradesh. If Bhopal remains consumed by internal politics while children's nutrition suffers, India's goal of eliminating malnutrition by 2030 under the UN Sustainable Development Goals will remain a distant promise.

Opinion: Welfare Schemes Are Not One Government's Legacy — They Are a National Commitment

The argument is straightforward. If the scheme has flaws, fix them. Bring in digital tracking, integrate POSHAN Tracker for real-time monitoring, hold contractors accountable, bring Self-Help Groups into decentralised production. But do not dismantle what exists before building something better.

A hungry child cannot wait for political clarity. A poor mother's nutritional needs do not pause during an election cycle. Welfare schemes are not a Chief Minister's personal monument — they are a social contract that must survive changes in government.

The Mohan Yadav government has a real opportunity here — to reform a flawed system the right way, and to do so transparently. But if the decision is driven by the need to distance from Shivraj rather than a genuine concern for beneficiaries, history will record not just that Shivraj's scheme was discontinued — it will record that the ration meant for the most vulnerable children in Madhya Pradesh was taken away from them.

In a poignant moment that underscored the intersection of governance and grassroots empathy, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a financial grant of ₹10 lakh for a six-year-old rape survivor from Raisen district. Speaking at the ‘Samriddh Didi Se Samriddh Rashtra’ event in Delhi on the eve of Republic Day 2026, Chouhan delivered an emotional plea for a fundamental shift in how society views and protects its daughters.

"Even today, when we hear of such incidents, the soul cries," Chouhan said, his voice heavy with emotion. "There are still monsters among us who mistreat our daughters. While the law has caught the culprit, we must ask: what happens to the child’s future?"

A Secure Future for the Raisen Survivor

The Minister revealed that the ₹10 lakh has been deposited into a dedicated account for the young survivor. Under current financial growth projections, this amount is expected to mature to approximately ₹28 lakh by the time she reaches adulthood.

This gesture is part of a broader commitment to women empowerment, ensuring that victims of heinous crimes are not left to face economic hardship alongside their trauma. Chouhan emphasized that while financial aid provides a safety net, it is not a substitute for the systemic "social change" required to prevent such atrocities.

The Link Between Addiction and Violence

In a direct address to the root causes of crime, Chouhan linked the safety of women to the rising tide of substance abuse. He argued that social empowerment cannot be achieved through economic means alone; it requires a moral crusade against drugs and alcohol.

• De-addiction Campaigns: Chouhan called for mass movements to eliminate alcohol and drug abuse, citing them as primary catalysts for violence against women.

• Changing Perception: He urged citizens to move beyond temporary protests and work toward a permanent shift in social perception.

• Collective Responsibility: The Minister noted that "social empowerment" is the only shield strong enough to stop "monsters" from harming the innocent.

From ‘Lakhpati Didi’ to National Strength

Turning his focus to the 10 crore women currently involved in self-help groups (SHGs) across India, Chouhan hailed them as the "living, awakened goddesses" of the nation. He reiterated the government's ambitious Lakhpati Didi scheme target, aiming to elevate 3 crore women to an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh.

"The 'Lakhpati Didi' target is not just a government scheme; it is a mantra. These women are the embodiment of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, holding the power to transform the rural economy," Chouhan stated.

To further this mission, the Minister announced that the Aajivika Mission has evolved into a full-scale revolution. Upcoming reforms include:

• Easier Personal Loans: Streamlining the process for SHG members to access individual credit.

• Expanding Saras Melas: Moving beyond Delhi to organize regional fairs across India, providing rural women with direct market access for their products.

Conclusion: A Nation’s Moral Compass

The Minister’s dual focus on the Raisen tragedy and the triumph of self-help groups highlights a critical truth: economic progress is hollow without social safety. By securing the future of one daughter and empowering millions of others, the government aims to weave a tighter social fabric where "the soul no longer has to cry."