Mumbai, July 1 – The Maharashtra government is setting its sights on a technological revolution in agriculture, aiming to boost productivity and improve farmers’ lives through cost-effective and innovative solutions. This vision was outlined by Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister, Manikrao Kokate, during a workshop on the ‘MahaKrishi AI Policy’ held on Agriculture Day.
The government’s strategy involves a multi-pronged approach, incorporating unmanned farming, AI-driven weather forecasting, climate-resilient cropping patterns, and efficient irrigation systems. Additionally, plans are underway to establish agricultural labs at the district level, deploy mobile vans for farm services, and enhance crop storage facilities. The goal is to integrate modern technology into farming, addressing the challenge of maintaining produce quality amidst increasing agricultural production.
Kokate emphasized that the indiscriminate use of fertilisers is not the path to higher yields. Instead, the focus should be on providing crops with the precise amount of nutrients and water they need. This approach is part of a broader shift towards natural farming and sustainable development schemes, with the government committed to providing timely training to farmers and ensuring Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for their produce.
Ashish Jaiswal, the Minister of State for Agriculture, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s efforts to encourage capital investment in agriculture and implement the MahaKrishi AI Policy statewide. He underscored the importance of tackling issues like fair pricing and market access, which are crucial for the sector’s growth.
The workshop served as a platform for interaction between officials and farmers, with Vikas Chandra Rastogi, the Principal Secretary, emphasizing the need for soil testing, judicious fertiliser use, and accurate planning from weather forecasting to market access. These measures are expected to boost productivity and ensure farmer prosperity.
The implications of these initiatives are significant. By leveraging technology and innovative practices, Maharashtra aims to transform its agricultural landscape, making it more resilient, sustainable, and profitable for farmers. The focus on training and support systems indicates a holistic approach, addressing not just productivity but also the socio-economic aspects of farming.
As the MahaKrishi AI Policy is rolled out, its success will depend on effective implementation and the active participation of farmers. If successful, this model could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to modernize their agricultural sectors while ensuring the welfare of their farming communities.