Is Sustainable Farming and Rural Prosperity the New Focus of Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister?

Pune, Aug 1 (NationPress) Newly appointed Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane, in his initial comments on Friday, emphasized that as the son of a farmer, he is committed to advancing agricultural development and enhancing the lives of farmers.

Bharane, who previously served as the minister of state in the former Maha Vikas Aghadi government, has now been promoted to a cabinet position in the council of ministers led by Devendra Fadnavis. His past responsibilities included sports, youth welfare, minority affairs, and Auqaf.

He is expected to officially assume his role as Agriculture Minister early next week.

In a post on X, Bharane expressed, “Having been born and raised in a farming family, I have firsthand knowledge of every aspect of agriculture. This deep understanding allows me to empathize with the pain, struggles, and aspirations of farmers. Through this ministerial role, I have the chance to advocate for their rights, justice, and advancement. The dignity of farmers, sustainable agriculture, and rural prosperity will be my key priorities. I will earnestly work to ensure that farmers' voices are heard in every government policy.”

He continued, “I am thankful for the privilege given to a farmer’s son to serve as Agriculture Minister. My sincere gratitude goes to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and my leader Ajitdada Pawar, as well as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, NCP working president Praful Patel, and state party president Sunil Tatkare for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.”

Minister Bharane informed the press that his focus will be on ensuring justice for the farmers through the Agriculture Department and implementing innovative agricultural initiatives for their benefit.

Regarding the anticipated decision on the crop loan waiver, he mentioned that he has yet to take charge of this department and that the Chief Minister, along with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, will make the appropriate decision concerning the loan waiver.

“Coming from a farmer’s background, I owe a lot to the people of Baramati (Ajitdada). The Pawar family has always shown me immense support. I will strive to develop Indapur (his Assembly constituency) to mirror Baramati,” said Bharane.

He noted that he would work diligently to accelerate the development of Indapur, aspiring to achieve a level of growth akin to Baramati, known for its overall advancement and being a stronghold of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.

However, insiders from the NCP indicated that Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane will need to engage with the Chief Minister and the two Deputy CMs regarding the announcement of the crop loan waiver, a promise made by the Mahayuti before the state Assembly elections. This is crucial as opposition parties and various farmers' organizations have criticized the government for its indecisiveness on the matter, with agricultural loan arrears exceeding Rs 37,000 crore. Farmers have halted loan repayments, anticipating an early crop loan waiver. Additionally, Minister Bharane must focus on reducing farmer suicides by establishing a clear plan.

Moreover, the minister will need to mobilize the agriculture department to effectively implement the crop insurance scheme, ensuring that it benefits farmers rather than insurance companies.

A senior NCP figure stated that the new agriculture minister must dedicate more time to addressing the disparity between rising production costs and the guaranteed prices for agricultural goods, improving market access for farmers, and ensuring prompt financial aid for those affected by natural disasters.