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As Madhya Pradesh makes rapid strides in key areas of growth, a range of experts deliberate on how it can become India's top-performing state

- Rahul Noronha

Roughly eight weeks from now, Madhya Pradesh, which came into being on November 1, 1956, will complete 66 years of its existence. The state's creation marked the coming together of distinct geographical regions such as Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Mahakoshal, Madhya Bharat, Malwa, Nimar, Chhattisgarh and the Part C state of Bhopal. Except for Chhattisgarh, which was carved into a new state in 2000, all the other constituents of Madhya Pradesh-even with their distinct dialects, food habits and culture have remained steadfast to the idea of the state.

Meanwhile, radical changes have come about in many spheres, showcasing transformations for the better. Agriculture has continued to be the prime economic activity of the state right from its early days. Since the primary sector had the largest chunk of the population engaged in it-as it still does-agriculture also dominates the politics of the state.