MUMBAI, 28 Jun (Commoditiescontrol): In a significant move to address growing dissent against the ruling faction and support the agricultural sector, Maharashtra's deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio, presented the state Budget for 2024-2025 in the Maharashtra Assembly during the ongoing Monsoon Session. The budget includes several measures aimed at boosting farmers' incomes and providing substantial financial assistance.
One of the key highlights is the increase in compensation for crop damage, which has been doubled from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000. This increase is expected to provide much-needed relief to farmers affected by adverse weather conditions and other factors that damage crops. Additionally, the government plans to offer a bonus of Rs 5,000 per hectare to farmers cultivating cotton and soybean. This bonus aims to encourage and support the cultivation of these important crops, ensuring better profitability for the farmers.
Pawar stated, “We are planning to provide a bonus of Rs 5,000 per hectare to all farmers for their cotton and soybean crops in Maharashtra. Additionally, we will continue to offer a bonus of Rs 5 per litre to milk-producing farmers even after July 1, 2024.”
To assist onion-producing farmers, the government has allocated subsidies amounting to over Rs 850 crore. This includes financial assistance of Rs 350 per quintal to help farmers cope with market fluctuations. Furthermore, a revolving fund of Rs 200 crore each is being established to purchase onion and cotton at guaranteed prices, providing a safety net for farmers against volatile market conditions.
In another major relief measure, the Maharashtra government has decided to waive electricity bill dues for 44 lakh farmers across the state. This waiver is expected to alleviate financial burdens and support farmers in managing their operational costs more effectively.
The government is committed to helping farmers through various schemes, including subsidies for seeds, irrigation facilities, technology use, and storage of farm produce. From the 2023-24 financial year, schemes such as Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi and crop insurance for one rupee have been initiated to support farmers.
Pawar also informed the assembly that schemes in 16 districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada have been successfully completed. The second phase of these projects, worth 6,000 crores, will be implemented in 21 districts.
These measures underscore the government’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector and improving the livelihood of farmers in Maharashtra. The initiatives are set to provide a significant boost to the state's agriculture and ensure sustainable growth for the farming community.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91 98201 30172)
0 Comments 
Post Comment 
