AMN / MUMBAI
In a significant push to transform the agricultural landscape of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government will invest ₹25,000 crore in the farm sector over the next five years.
The initiative is aimed at reducing input costs for farmers while boosting agricultural productivity. The planned investment will cover key components such as drip irrigation systems, mechanized equipment, farm ponds, water pumps, and other infrastructure necessary for modernizing farming practices.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Krishi Pandhari’ agricultural exhibition at the Pandharpur APMC on Saturday evening, Mr. Fadnavis highlighted the strides already made by farmers through access to better marketing mechanisms facilitated by market committees.
He further revealed that the central government is working on a plan to strengthen rural cooperative development societies by turning them into multi-purpose institutions. These upgraded cooperatives will be empowered to carry out 18 different types of business activities, making them a crucial link between the farmers and the market.
Improved facilities such as storage and cold chain infrastructure will ensure that farmers can sell their produce more efficiently and at fairer prices, enabling them to scale up operations and secure better incomes.
