How is Maharashtra's CM Advocating for Technology in Agriculture?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra’s CM Devendra Fadnavis champions advanced technology in agriculture to combat rising costs and labor issues. At the Pune Agri Hackathon, he emphasized the need for innovative solutions to enhance farmers' productivity and encouraged the establishment of incubation centers to commercialize these technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Advanced technology is vital for addressing challenges in agriculture.
- Establishing incubation centers can help commercialize innovative solutions.
- The Pune Agri Hackathon showcases significant agricultural advancements.
- The 'Clean Plant' program will promote disease-free horticultural practices.
- Collaborative initiatives can enhance farmers' productivity and welfare.
Pune, June 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, strongly advocated for the integration of advanced technology in agriculture, especially considering the rising costs of production and the shortage of labor.
With the agricultural sector grappling with numerous challenges due to a shifting landscape, the implementation of modern technology is crucial for supporting farmers. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of nurturing beneficial technologies during the Pune Agri Hackathon and ensuring these innovations reach the farmers.
He made these remarks at the award ceremony for the inaugural 'Pune Agri Hackathon,' which was attended by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
“The innovative technologies showcased at the hackathon are immensely beneficial for farmers. Notable advancements in irrigation, crop harvesting, crop spraying, and AI-driven rovers, along with machine learning applications in pest control and post-harvest processing, were highlighted,” he stated.
The Chief Minister further insisted on transforming these solutions into viable products for the market, noting that the Agriculture Department should spearhead the establishment of incubation centers in agricultural colleges to commercialize these technologies and enhance farmers' livelihoods.
He also proposed that the Agriculture Department organize similar hackathons across the state, pointing out that around 30 to 32 percent of startups in India are agriculture-related, with a significant number originating from Maharashtra.
“Such initiatives like the Agri Hackathon are essential for fostering diverse agricultural startups. If we advance this agricultural technology revolution, we can tackle existing challenges in the sector and boost productivity, ultimately benefiting the farmers,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan commended the farmers for their dedication and innovative approaches. He announced the launch of the 'Clean Plant' program to ensure that nursery plants for horticulture are disease-free and advantageous to farmers.
The Union Minister also disclosed plans to establish nine centers nationwide, with three located in Maharashtra: one for grapes in Pune, one for oranges in Nagpur, and another for pomegranates in Solapur, with a total investment of Rs 300 crore.
“This program will facilitate the creation of modern nurseries, which will be managed with technology. Funding of Rs 3 crore will be allocated for large nurseries and Rs 1.5 crore for medium ones, resulting in 8 crore disease-free seedlings supplied to farmers annually,” he stated.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar concluded by emphasizing the need to deliver timely, cost-effective technology to farmers.
Point of View
The push for technology in agriculture by Maharashtra's leadership highlights a significant trend in addressing modern agricultural challenges. It reflects a broader commitment to enhancing productivity, sustainability, and farmer welfare, aligning with national objectives aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pune Agri Hackathon?
The Pune Agri Hackathon is an initiative aimed at fostering innovation and technology in agriculture, where participants develop solutions to enhance agricultural practices.
Why is technology important in agriculture?
Technology in agriculture helps to reduce production costs, improve efficiency, and increase crop yields, which is essential for meeting the demands of a growing population.
What kind of technologies were presented at the hackathon?
Innovations included AI-driven pest management, advanced irrigation systems, crop harvesting technologies, and machine learning applications, all aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
How will the 'Clean Plant' program benefit farmers?
The 'Clean Plant' program ensures that nursery plants are disease-free, which is crucial for ensuring healthy crops and sustainable farming practices.
What support will be provided to farmers under this initiative?
Farmers will receive funding to establish modern nurseries and access disease-free seedlings, significantly enhancing their productivity and sustainability.
