Union Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to strengthening Maharashtra’s agricultural sector by supporting key schemes and initiatives designed to improve productivity, sustainability, and rural development. Speaking at a review meeting held at the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning in Nagpur, Chouhan emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology, smart irrigation methods, organic fertilizers, and market linkages to sustain and uplift farmers.
Highlighting the necessity of crop adaptation to regional weather conditions, the Minister directed the agriculture department to expedite the development of climate-resilient varieties suited to Maharashtra’s diverse agro-climatic zones. Particular attention was given to the need for improved cotton varieties designed to withstand erratic rainfall and temperature fluctuations, ensuring long-term viability for the state’s farmers.
The government also announced a concerted push to accelerate the Farmer ID campaign, an initiative aimed at ensuring that agricultural benefits are efficiently distributed to registered farmers. Chouhan instructed officials to implement a streamlined process whereby all future agricultural subsidies and schemes would require a Farmer ID, reinforcing transparency and accessibility in policy execution.
During the review, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis received commendation for his leadership in advancing Maharashtra’s agricultural and rural development programs. Chouhan lauded efforts under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (Rural) and sandbank projects, recognizing them as vital components in enhancing rural infrastructure.
Success stories of progressive farmers, including Raosaheb Mohite from Tapargaon, Eknath Talekar from Rui (Dhanora), and Vandana Rathod from Jawla, were shared during the meeting, illustrating Maharashtra’s innovations in sericulture and horticulture. The Minister called for these exemplary models to be widely disseminated across India to inspire best practices among farming communities.
A thorough assessment of centrally sponsored rural development schemes was conducted, with emphasis on initiatives such as the Prime Minister Janman Yojana, Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana, and self-help group programs. The implementation of MGNREGA was reviewed, and Chouhan praised Maharashtra for successfully achieving its targets under the scheme.
Chief Minister Fadnavis also provided insights into the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which has extended financial assistance to women, enabling them to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and meet essential expenses. He reiterated the state’s commitment to empowering women through the Lakhpati Didi scheme, with a target of creating one crore financially independent female entrepreneurs in the near future.
The meeting underscored Maharashtra’s progressive approach to agricultural innovation and rural development, reinforcing collaborative efforts between the state and central governments to uplift farming communities through targeted investments, strategic planning, and adaptive policies. As the state moves forward, these initiatives are expected to play a transformative role in shaping the future of Indian agriculture.
