Centre to consider opening new farm institutions in Maharashtra

The Centre will look into the problems of Maharashtra farmers, especially to deal with any low-rainfall situation, and also create R and D infrastructure to support long-term growth of agriculture in the State.

A delegation led by Members of Parliament and State legislature of Maharashtra viz. Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Khadse, Vinod Tawde, Hansraj Ahir and Sanjay Patil, met Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh yesterday and gave him a representation on farming matters.

Responding to their demands, Agriculture Minister 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 will also be looked into, the Minister said.

The Minister said that many parts of Maharashtra are prone to low rainfall and drought, and he has been informed that water level in reservoirs is going down. Agriculture Ministry is, therefore, closely monitoring the progress of monsoon, especially over dryland areas.

In case of poor or scanty rainfall, contingency plan will be put into operation in the affected districts. Agriculture Ministry is also in constant touch with the State government, the Minister shared with the delegation.

'The Minister also said that his Ministry was moving a cabinet note on actions to be taken for mitigating the impact of poor monsoon on farmers.