Has Maha set a target of 204 lakh tonnes for Kharif production while warning against fertilizer linking?

Mumbai, May 21 (NationPress) With the forecast predicting an above-normal monsoon, the Maharashtra government has established a production target of 204 lakh tonnes for the Kharif season, compared to 187 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, as announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday.

During a state-level review meeting focused on Kharif season planning within the Agriculture Department, the Chief Minister, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, as well as Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, stated that the state has ample stocks of seeds and fertilizers, ensuring that farmers in Maharashtra will not encounter any shortages.

“Historically, we have made seeds available based on the crops that can be cultivated in varying quantities,” he noted.

Additionally, he declared that the government would invoke the Essential Commodities Act or similar legislation against suppliers who improperly link fertilizers that are in low demand with those that are in high demand, or with pesticides, during sales to farmers.

The Chief Minister mentioned that there have been ongoing complaints about such linking practices concerning fertilizers. To address this, a board will be placed outside every agricultural center displaying a phone number for farmers to report issues.

“If there is a persistent linking demand, you can call that number, and actions will be initiated against the offenders under the Essential Commodities Act or relevant laws,” he cautioned.

To combat the issue of counterfeit seeds, the state has mandated seed registration on the Central government's 'Saathi' portal, ensuring traceability. “This registration will allow us to monitor these seeds effectively. Strict measures are being implemented against counterfeit seeds, and starting this year, all seed information will be available on the 'Saathi' portal, with approval from the Central government,” he further explained.

The Chief Minister asserted that approximately 70,000 quintals of seeds are currently available on the portal, making them traceable. “Any malpractice will be easily identified. By next year, 100% of seeds will be listed on the 'Saathi' portal,” he added.

Fadnavis emphasized that thorough measures are being taken to ensure effective pest management, noting that this year, digital agricultural schools have been established and will be introduced in every taluka.

These digital schools will provide farmers with guidance on pest management strategies.

According to the Chief Minister, the Agriculture Department has launched an AI-driven mobile application named 'Mahavistar', which offers a wealth of information and instructional videos pertinent to agriculture. “This app equips farmers with vital information regarding farming methods, pest management techniques, and appropriate product usage at various stages. It even features a chatbot in Marathi that delivers accurate responses to inquiries,” he highlighted.

He encouraged all farmers in the state to download this valuable digital resource onto their mobile devices for comprehensive agricultural information.

Fadnavis also instructed banks to ensure the prompt provision of agricultural loans to farmers, with banks agreeing not to require CIBIL scores. “If any branch demands a CIBIL score, actions will be taken against that branch,” he stated.

He underscored the importance of timely loan disbursement to farmers. He noted that an early warning system has been implemented, in collaboration with the IMD, to issue advance alerts regarding potential disasters linked to climate change.