Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the government’s focus on livestock to boost the rural economy. He expressed optimism that leveraging technology could elevate Maharashtra as a global milk production leader. Fadnavis made these remarks during his visit to the Maha Pashudhan Expo 2026 in Beed district.
The Chief Minister labeled the expo as a crucial step in addressing climate risks in dryland farming. He stressed the importance of livestock as a key income source for farmers, especially when crops fail. Fadnavis also mentioned the cow’s significance, referring to it as ‘Rajyamata’ (State Mother) due to its religious and economic value.
Fadnavis pointed out the productivity gap in milk production between Punjab and Maharashtra. While cows in Punjab yield 10–15 liters daily, Maharashtra averages around 2.5 liters. To bridge this gap, the government plans to implement Artificial Intelligence for livestock monitoring and enhance productivity through advanced reproductive technologies. An agreement with Mother Dairy for projects in Vidarbha and Marathwada has also been finalized.
In trade discussions, the Chief Minister assured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has safeguarded Indian agriculture. He dismissed concerns about soybean or cotton imports affecting local prices, emphasizing the new opportunities for Indian farmers in the American market. Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde highlighted the upcoming Chief Minister Rural Livestock Entrepreneur Scheme, aiming to empower rural youth as business owners. She also mentioned the state’s unique recognition of animal husbandry under agriculture status, thanking the Chief Minister for this decision.
