Why are river valleys more densely populated than many other rural areas of Madhya Pradesh?

River valleys in Madhya Pradesh are more densely populated than many other rural areas primarily due to the presence of fertile soil, which is highly conducive to agriculture. Specifically, the Narmada valley is noted for its fertile black soils, a characteristic that supports higher population concentrations compared to regions with less-fertile red-to-yellow soils.12

These valleys, including those of the upper Wainganga and the lower Chambal, provide the essential natural resources necessary to sustain larger rural communities. The agricultural productivity of these areas has historically made them focal points for settlement, contrasting with the more uneven population distribution found across the rest of the state.2