Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], April 1 (ANI): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday announced toll exemption for combine harvesters used for agricultural purposes at toll plazas operated by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation.

The CM chaired a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation held at Samatva Bhavan (CM House) and made the announcement, stressing that the state government is committed to the farmers' welfare, according to an official release.

'The state government is committed to the welfare of farmers. In Farmer Welfare Year 2026, several decisions are being taken in the interest of farmers to realise the vision of 'Samriddh Kisan-Samriddh Pradesh'. Combine harvesters used for agricultural purposes will now be exempted from toll charges at toll plazas operated by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC),' Yadav said.

He further noted that combine harvesters used for crop harvesting are essential agricultural equipment. Granting toll exemption on toll roads will reduce the transportation cost of harvesters, which will have a positive impact on the price of agricultural produce. He added that this decision will prove beneficial for farmers.

Additionally, during the board meeting chaired by CM Yadav, approval was granted for the construction of the Indore-Ujjain Greenfield Road and the Ujjain-Jaora Greenfield Road as non-access-controlled projects. The Board also approved the revised alignment of the West Bhopal Bypass and granted in-principle approval for its construction.

Furthermore, the meeting also discussed and took decisions on the annual accounts and other managerial matters on the occasion.

Earlier this year, the Chief Minister announced that Madhya Pradesh is observing 2026 as 'Year for Farmers' Welfare' and various decisions are being taken in the interest of farmers as part of the Farmer Welfare Year.

For the effective implementation of Farmer Welfare Year, 16 departments of the state government are working in close coordination to strengthen various dimensions of agriculture, including production, cost, marketing, income, and overall welfare. (ANI)