Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, 12 November, called for urgent prioritisation of modern agricultural research, climate-resilient crop development, and water-efficient farming technologies, stating that the agriculture sector is bearing a heavy burden due to climate change. Speaking at an event in Kawadak, Ramtek taluka, Nagpur, he said irregular rainfall and water scarcity had created unprecedented challenges for farmers across the state.

Key Developments at Ramtek

The event marked the inauguration of three institutions operated by the Shri Datta Meghe Foundation, Nagpur — the Late Datta Meghe Memorial Gallery, the Nandkishor Jaiswal College of Agriculture, and the Shalinitai Datta Meghe Veterinary Hospital. Chief Minister Fadnavis said these establishments would boost agricultural research, animal husbandry, and employment generation in rural areas, adding that they would 'make a significant contribution to the development of Ramtek.'

What the Chief Minister Said on Climate and Farming

Fadnavis highlighted that the El Niño effect this year had compounded the damage from erratic rainfall, dealing a severe blow to crops. He stressed that modern technology must be developed through agricultural universities and applied directly on the ground. 'It is essential to prioritise technologies that yield more with less water, climate-resilient crops, and modern agricultural research,' he said, adding that establishing premier agricultural colleges is a necessary step in that direction.

He also underscored the role of animal husbandry as a vital complement to farming, noting that indigenous cow breeds are important not only for milk production but for the entire agricultural ecosystem. He called for the conservation of indigenous cattle breeds, modern veterinary treatment methods, and focused research to empower livestock farmers.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sustainable Development

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat addressed the gathering and said, 'We are all components of the same universe alongside nature, not its owners. In this sense, we are interdependent.' He added that India's development path was being watched by the world, and that human beings must exercise restraint in their own lives to show a 'new path of development to today's world.'

Gadkari Flags Dairy Opportunity in Vidarbha

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said there is a 'massive opportunity' for growth of the dairy business in Vidarbha, and called for a focus on conserving indigenous cattle breeds and boosting milk production through modern technology. He noted that a ₹1,000 crore project through Mother Dairy is nearing completion in the region. Gadkari expressed regret that milk production across Vidarbha remains lower compared to Kolhapur, and said dairy farming, goat rearing, and animal husbandry can become important income sources for farmers.

Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal recalled that the late Datta Meghe had established educational institutions in Nagpur and Wardha, producing thousands of doctors and engineers, and said the Meghe family's entry into agriculture and livestock marks a natural extension of that legacy. The initiatives at Ramtek are seen as a step toward bridging the gap between scientific research and on-ground farming in Maharashtra's most climate-stressed region.