Is the Government Prioritizing the Construction of Farm Roads for Farmers?

Mumbai, July 11 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that the government's foremost objective is to enhance the infrastructure of farm roads to facilitate farmers' access to their fields and the transportation of agricultural products.

He announced that a detailed scheme is in the pipeline that will focus on the construction of farm roads by pooling resources from various state initiatives.

“This initiative aims to meet the farmers' needs for farm roads throughout the state,” he declared.

During a session in the state assembly, he revealed that a committee, led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, will be established to develop a comprehensive plan for farm road construction, responding to a motion raised by Abhimanyu Pawar.

The committee is expected to devise a thorough strategy and present its recommendations to the government within a month.

“If there is skilled labor required for constructing farm roads, it will be executed in conjunction with relevant programs, pooling funds from other initiatives to complete these roads. Discussions will be held concerning the allocation of 50% of the funds from the 25-15 scheme for village roads towards farm road construction,” he added.

In his remarks, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that a system will be established to expedite decisions on farm road cases up to the sub-divisional officers. There will be measures to involve farmers in the allotment process, conduct Lok Adalats to resolve farm road issues, survey existing access roads, and incorporate them into village maps. From now on, farm roads will be constructed to a minimum width of 12 feet, and the Settlement Commissioner will be responsible for numbering these roads.

“Concerning farm road construction, I will consult with the Employment Guarantee Scheme, Rural Development, and Revenue Departments to establish a dedicated account head. A time-bound program will be implemented to complete farm roads,” he added.

Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil announced in the state assembly that the government prioritizes providing irrigation water to villages affected by drought, allocating Rs 20 crore for the Sina Madha project in the fiscal year 2025-2026. This information came in response to a query raised by Member Abhijit Patil.

The minister elaborated that to supply water to areas lacking irrigation, the government will explore options to utilize excess water from reservoirs. Additionally, a lift irrigation scheme is in the works for a couple of villages. After evaluating this scheme, appropriate actions will follow. He noted that there is a plan to acquire approximately 955 hectares of land under the Sina Madha project. By the end of May 2025, around 710 hectares have been acquired, and compensation has been disbursed to those affected. A budget of Rs 26 crore has been allocated for the approved land acquisition under the Sina Madha project.