So far, 10,000 solar agricultural pumps have been set up across the state, he said, adding 16 renowned companies dealing in these instruments from across the world have approached the government to facilitate their installation.
He was addressing a gathering of farmers, agriculture scientists and representatives of allied business groups after inaugurating the 8th edition of "Agro Vision" at the sprawling Reshimbagh Ground here.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, chief promoter of the annual farm fair, presided over the function.
Under the scheme, farmers can use feeder-based solar pumps instead of individually buying pumps.
Fadnavis called on farmers to reduce input cost and enhance production and said agriculture is now treated as a part of science and scientific farming is need of the hour.
Productivity must be increased to make agriculture sustainable, he said.
The government has decided to set up integrated textile units in 11 cotton-producing districts as part of its 'cotton to fashion' push, the Chief Minister said.
Situation on the agriculture front is improving since the last two years when the sector recorded a negative growth of 16 per cent (2014-15). This year, the Government is hopeful of achieving positive growth of 5 to 10 per cent, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari lauded the efforts
of
Maharashtra Government in the farm sector and stressed on better use of drip irrigation.
He said farmers opting for drip irrigation should get interest subsidy on crop loans. This year the yield of cotton and soya had been much better and farmers should earn good money.
and conference which provides an excellent platform for farmers and the agriculture sector to explore various opportunities. The event will last for four days (Nov 11-14).
It was conceptualised to help farmers from Vidarbha, where
a large number of agriculturists have committed suicide due to debt burden and crop failure.