"Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces comprehensive backing for Maharashtra, focusing on enhancing and adapting crop varieties to weather patterns"
On May 19, 2025, a significant meeting was held at the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP) auditorium in Nagpur. The gathering was attended by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who took charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, along with 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.
Union Minister Chouhan began the discussion by emphasizing the development of region-specific crop varieties to adapt to India's diverse climatic zones. He also directed the formulation of a "Best Cropping Model" specific to Maharashtra and the development of new cotton varieties suited to changing climate and rainfall patterns.
Principal Secretary Eknath Dawale shared updates on the implementation of various programs, while Principal Secretary of Agriculture Vikas Rastogi delivered a presentation covering Maharashtra's climatic conditions, monsoon forecasts, and strategies for the Kharif 2025 season.
Chouhan called for the nationwide promotion of success stories of progressive farmers, including Raosaheb Mohite, Eknath Talekar, and Vandana Rathod, as examples of agricultural excellence. He also proposed a unique Farmer ID for every cultivator to ensure future benefits from government schemes.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Fadnavis discussed 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. Fadnavis reiterated the state's goal of transforming one crore women into 'Lakhpati Didis' through financial empowerment.
The meeting reviewed centrally sponsored programs under the Rural Development Department, including the Prime Minister Awas Yojana, PM Janman Yojana, PM Gram Sadak Yojana, self-help group initiatives, and MGNREGA. Union Minister Chouhan lauded Maharashtra for achieving its MGNREGA targets.
Chouhan also praised Chief Minister Fadnavis for innovative efforts in agriculture and rural development under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (Rural) and river sandbank projects. He commended Maharashtra for its efforts in these areas, particularly in the Vidarbha region, Marathwada region, parts of Gujarat, and Rajasthan, which are prioritized for improving agriculture in these regions.
The presentation also discussed the availability of seeds and fertilizers, and ongoing campaigns such as the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and AgriStack initiative. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working towards sustainable agricultural growth, women empowerment, and rural development in Maharashtra.
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