The World Agriculture Forum has felicitated chief Minister Eknath Shinde in recognition of the state’s performance in sectors like environmental protection, sustainable development and greening Maharashtra. This award of the Forum was presented to Shinde by governor C. P. Radhakrishnan during a programme organised on the occasion of the World Bamboo Day in Mumbai.
The WAF was set up in 1997 at St Louis, Missouri, to respond to the perceived need for a neutral body to promote and drive agriculture development. The WAF sessions are held every two years, as well as occasional regional events are also organised. Since its inception, the nature and the methods in which parties dialogue has changed substantially. The use of internet-based communications has grown exponentially. In aligning with this development, the application of technology has impacted the way in which agriculture is practised, with focus towards sustainability. The Forum has, thus, endorsed Maharashtra’s efforts for sustainable agriculture.
Maharashtra is the 3rd leading agricultural state in the country, known for its significant production of cotton and sugarcane. The state’s diverse agro-climatic zones also support the cultivation of rice, wheat, and pulses. Maharashtra is a major producer of fruits like grapes, oranges, and bananas and has a robust horticulture sector. Its floriculture, too, is gaining popularity. The state’s dairy industry is well-developed, contributing to its agricultural output. Additionally, Maharashtra’s progressive farming techniques and irrigation projects enhance its agricultural productivity.
Known as the “Granary of India,” Punjab is renowned for its wheat and rice production. It is also a major producer of cotton and sugarcane. It tops the list of the states showing impressive results on the agriculture front. Punjab is followed by Uttar Pradesh, which is the largest producer of sugarcane, wheat, and potatoes in India. It also contributes significantly to the production of rice, pulses, and oilseeds. Maharashtra is at the third position on this chart. Describing Maharashtra as the growth engine of the nation’s development, Shinde elaborated on how the state is leading in terms of employment, direct foreign investment and infrastructure development.
The research related to new technologies is conducted in agriculture universities of the state. The new technology focus is for uplifting the economic status of the farming community. The award has acknowledged Maharashtra’s achievements in the agricultural sector and its initiatives in sustainable farming. Maharashtra has a prominent place in India’s economy. Likewise, its strides in the agricultural sector have been spectacular. The farmers are making valuable contribution in the food security campaign despite challenges like persistent drought situations, scarcity of water, flooding and the climate change in general. Overall, the farmer of Maharashtra has emerged victorious. To empower him, the state has supplied advanced seeds, fertilizers and modern farming equipment. Similarly, farmers are trained in adopting innovative systems like micro irrigation. Because of the coordination with agriculture universities, the modern research is employed in a practical manner, leading to increased income of the farmers.
While receiving the award, Shinde highlighted the need to maintain a balance between environmental protection and agriculture in this era of climate change and global warming. He underscored food security as an essential element of planning. He outlined the state government’s decision to form an Environment Action Committee to deal with such important matters. Referring to the World Bamboo Day, he announced that the state government had set a target of planting bamboo on 21 lakh hectares of land. He said that 125 irrigation projects have been accorded approval and the government is determined to spread happiness in the lives of the farmers by enhancing irrigation facilities round the year.
Shinde gave details about many measures. He said the farmers are provided Crop Insurance for just one rupee a year. Maharashtra is the first state in the nation to do so. Under the Namo Shetkari Sanmaan Yojana, the Union government gives Rs.6000 to the farmers annually. In addition, the state government, too, is paying equal amount. Thus, each farmer receives Rs.12000 per year from the government. The state has plans to distribute five lakh solar agriculture pumps in the next two years. Similarly, 17 lakh hectares of land will come under irrigation in the near future. Besides all this, power for agriculture will be supplied round the clock. Moreover, relief packages will be provided by the state government to the farmers during natural calamities.
Shinde has once again expressed resolve to supplement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s determination to make India a 5-trillion dollar economy with Maharashtra’s contribution of 1-trillion dollar.
Maharashtra’s selection for the WAF award comes on the heels of the nomination of former Union minister Suresh Prabhu to the WAF Board.
Prabhu’s expertise will be invaluable to the discussions that shape the future of the agriculture sector, according to Rudy Rabbinge, chairman of the Board. In light of the recent challenges facing this sector, including climate change and global food security, rapid technological advancements, and changing dynamics of world trade and businesses, it has become increasingly vital to have a dedicated body that facilitates dialogue and cooperation among the key stakeholders, Rabbinge says.
Though the state’s performance in agriculture is laudable, the stark reality about farmers’ poverty can’t be overlooked. The Maharashtra government had deposed before the Aurangabad bench of the high court that 2851 farmer suicide cases were reported in the state in 2023. The state government’s affidavit in April stated that the tragedies occurred due to successive natural calamities and scarcity.
Another challenge is water scarcity. Despite blessed with numerous rivers, Maharashtra continues to struggle with severe water scarcity almost every year. For instance, although the Godavari river originates in Nashik, it fails to provide sufficient water to the districts of Nashik, Jalgaon, and Dhule in north Maharashtra, leaving local farmers in dire straits. Additionally, due to inadequate management of western channel rivers like Damanganga and Nar by Maharashtra, a significant amount of water flows into Gujarat, adding to the state’s water woes.
For example, the Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project, initiated in 1980 to address water shortages in north Maharashtra, was stalled due to lack of political will. As a result, while Gujarat continued to benefit from Maharashtra’s water resources, many taluks in Nashik and Jalgaon remained dry. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has declared that the project will be revised now. He had asserted in the past that Maharashtra will complete the project independently. An opportunity is now facing him to do so.
Shinde and the state government deserve applause for the performance on the agriculture front but should not forget that much more needs to be done.
A Column By
Dilip Chaware – Senior Editor
A media professional for 43 years, with extensive experience of writing on
a variety of subjects; he is also a documentary producer and book author.
