Centre assures Maharashtra of all help to face low-rainfall situation. Plans to open new farm institutions to support long-term growth of agriculture

The Centre has said it will look into the problems of Maharashtra farmers, especially to deal with low-rainfall situation, and also create necessary infrastructure to support long-term growth of agriculture in the State. A delegation led by Members of Parliament and State legislature of Maharashtra viz. S/shri Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Khadse, Vinod Tawde, Hansraj Ahir and Sanjay Patil, met Agriculture Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh today and gave him a representation on farming matters.

Responding to their demands, Agriculture Minister Mr. Singh assured them that his Ministry would favourably consider the establishment of a Central Agricultural University in the State. Their demand for a second Krishi Vigyan Kendra in bigger districts and opening of ICAR institutes on diary farming, soil and water testing, integrated pest management and horticulture would also be looked into, the Minister said.

Radha Mohan Singh observed that many parts of Maharashtra are prone to low rainfall and drought, and the water level in reservoirs is going down. “Agriculture Ministry is, therefore, closely monitoring the progress of monsoon, especially over dry land areas. In case of poor or scanty rainfall, contingency plan will be put into operation in the affected districts” he said. The Centre is in regular contact with the State government to get inputs on the situation.  Scanty rains during June, have delayed sowing in Maharashtra. The state is also staring at a serious water scarcity, as the reservoirs are drying up fast.

Agriculture Ministry will soon be moving a cabinet note on actions to be taken for mitigating the impact of poor monsoon on farmers.