A three-day national-level Advanced Agriculture Festival will be held in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen from April 11 to 13, aimed at transforming farming practices and boosting farmers’ income through technology, training and market linkages.
The mega event, to be organised at Dussehra Ground on the initiative of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is expected to bring together farmers, scientists, policymakers, startups and industry stakeholders on a single platform.
The festival will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, while Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will attend the closing session on April 13.
‘From Laboratory to Field’ Focus
Describing the event as a “game changer” for agriculture, Chouhan said the festival would showcase the entire value chain – from “laboratory to field” and “seed to market” – at one venue. He added that the initiative aims to provide farmers with practical solutions, modern techniques and direct access to markets.
Hundreds of stalls will display innovations in improved seeds, drones, micro-irrigation systems, modern farm machinery, food processing, animal husbandry, fisheries and rural livelihoods.
Training, Demonstrations and Technology Showcase
The festival will feature continuous training sessions, seminars and live demonstrations over three days. Farmers will receive hands-on exposure to advanced techniques such as precision farming, hydroponics, vertical farming, integrated nutrient and pest management, and AI-based digital agriculture.
Live field demonstrations will include drip and sprinkler irrigation, drone spraying, smart farming systems, and modern equipment such as harvesters and seeders.
Special facilities will also be available, including mobile soil testing labs, crop insurance services, veterinary support, seed distribution and farmer helpdesks.
Wide Participation from Institutions
The event will see participation from key institutions including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, State Agricultural Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), as well as agri-tech startups, MSMEs, banks, insurance companies and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Progressive farmers, women self-help groups, “Drone Didis” and rural entrepreneurs from across the country have also been invited to share their experiences and best practices.
Regional Agriculture Roadmap
A major highlight of the event will be the release of a comprehensive agriculture roadmap for Raisen, Vidisha and Sehore districts during the closing session.
The roadmap is expected to outline strategies for crop diversification, water conservation, expansion of micro-irrigation, integrated farming, strengthening of FPOs, and improved market access. It will also focus on leveraging modern technologies, digital platforms and financial support systems to enhance farmers’ income.
Long-Term Vision
Chouhan expressed confidence that the festival would mark the beginning of a long-term transformation in the region’s agriculture sector, making it more productive, sustainable and profitable.
He emphasised that the initiative is not just a three-day event but a step towards building a robust ecosystem that connects research, innovation and grassroots farming, ultimately benefiting farmers across the country.
