On Maharashtra Krishi Diwas (Agriculture Day), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a significant initiative for farmers in the state. This includes the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in farming to reduce production costs. Maharashtra will soon launch India’s first AI-driven mobile app dedicated to the agricultural sector, aiming to benefit farmers. The state allocates the highest budget in the country for agricultural mechanization and has unveiled various government schemes to transform the agricultural sector.
Highlighting the importance of protecting farmers from fraud, Fadnavis announced that certifying all seed types through the government’s official website will now be mandatory. This measure aims to combat counterfeit seeds and prevent exploitation. The Chief Minister also addressed regional challenges, particularly focusing on strategies to address climate change in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. Specialized training will be provided to farmers in these areas to adapt to changing weather patterns and ensure sustainable farming practices.
Fadnavis emphasized the government’s commitment to making agriculture in Maharashtra more capable, sustainable, and profitable. Efforts such as extensive water conservation work in over 22,000 villages have enabled the transition from single-crop to double and triple-crop farming in many regions. The state’s decision to provide free electricity to farmers, especially through solar agricultural pumps, has been effective. Maharashtra leads in installing solar pumps under the Prime Minister’s scheme, with plans to extend free daytime electricity to all farmers by the year-end.
To support farmers, the government incurs significant annual expenditures on free electricity and agricultural mechanization subsidies. An ambitious flood diversion project has been launched to provide relief to arid regions by channeling excess water to drought-prone areas. The ultimate goal is to create a drought-free Maharashtra. Fadnavis commended farmers honored with state agriculture awards, highlighting their innovative practices and resilience. The government aims to boost capital investment in agriculture to make farmers self-reliant and financially secure.
