Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized the urgent need for better coordination in key agricultural areas to ensure sustainable farming across the country. Speaking at a high-level review meeting held at the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP) auditorium in Nagpur, he underlined the importance of aligning improved seeds, organic fertilizers, climate-resilient farming techniques, modern technologies, smart irrigation, and robust market linkages.
Chouhan directed officials to develop region-specific crop varieties to better adapt to India's diverse climatic zones. He also proposed the introduction of a unique Farmer ID for every cultivator, ensuring that only registered farmers receive benefits from government schemes in the future.
The meeting saw the participation of key stakeholders including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore, Minister of State for Finance Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, and senior bureaucrats from both central and state governments.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s agricultural potential, Chouhan assured full central support for upcoming initiatives. He particularly emphasized the development of new cotton varieties suited to changing climate and rainfall patterns, and called for high-yielding crops tailored for drought-prone regions. A directive was also issued to formulate a “Best Cropping Model” specific to Maharashtra.
During the session, Principal Secretary of Agriculture Vikas Rastogi delivered a comprehensive presentation covering Maharashtra’s climatic conditions, monsoon forecasts, and strategies for the Kharif 2025 season. He also discussed the availability of seeds and fertilizers, and ongoing campaigns such as the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and AgriStack initiative.
Recognition of Innovative Governance and Farmer Success Stories
Union Minister Chouhan commended Chief Minister Fadnavis for innovative efforts in the agriculture and rural development sectors, particularly under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (Rural) and river sandbank projects. He also called for the nationwide promotion of success stories of progressive farmers such as Raosaheb Mohite from Sambhajinagar, sericulture entrepreneur Eknath Talekar from Beed, and orchid cultivator Vandana Rathod from Yavatmal.
Review of Key Rural Development Schemes
The meeting included an in-depth evaluation of centrally sponsored programs under the Rural Development Department. Principal Secretary Eknath Dawale shared updates on the implementation of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana, PM Janman Yojana, PM Gram Sadak Yojana, and self-help group initiatives. The performance of MGNREGA was also reviewed, with Chouhan lauding Maharashtra for achieving its targets.
Empowering Women Through Financial Independence
Chief Minister Fadnavis provided insights into the state’s women empowerment initiatives, particularly the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, under which women receive Rs 1500 monthly support. He noted that the funds have enabled women to manage essential needs and start small businesses. The Chief Minister reiterated the state's ambitious goal of transforming one crore women into 'Lakhpati Didis' through the financial empowerment scheme.
