Thane, May 17—Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has underscored the importance of transitioning to organic and mechanised farming to improve farmers' livelihoods. Chairing a district-level review meeting on Friday ahead of the Kharif season, Shinde called for a coordinated approach to modernising agriculture and ensuring timely support to cultivators.
Shinde, who also serves as the guardian minister of Thane, directed officials to ensure that farmers, especially those adopting group, organic, or mechanised farming practices, receive the maximum benefits of government schemes.
Emphasis on Infrastructure and Crop Diversity
Highlighting the urgency of preparedness before the monsoon, Shinde instructed that all work on water bodies be completed swiftly. He also encouraged the cultivation of diverse crops, urging authorities to ensure the timely supply of quality seeds and fertilisers."Farmers must receive adequate training to enhance soil health and texture," he added, stressing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
Push for Awareness and Financial Inclusion
The Deputy Chief Minister called for widespread awareness campaigns around key initiatives such as the Fruit Crop Insurance Scheme and the Chief Minister's Sustainable Agriculture Scheme. He also emphasized the need for 100% Kharif loan disbursement and timely AgriStack registrations to ensure that all eligible farmers benefit from the PM Kisan scheme.The review meeting marked a proactive step in ensuring Maharashtra's farming community is well-prepared for the upcoming agricultural season with the necessary resources, training, and institutional support.