Sustainable farming need of the hour to curb suicides:Fadnavis

Terming the recent suicides of farmers as a "shame" for Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today called for people's participation to help the state government achieve sustainable farming.
"Since the new government has assumed power in the state, a number of decisions have been taken for the welfare of people. These decisions are bound to help the state achieve new heights. But we need the help of people to achieve our goals," Fadnavis said.
"The prevailing agrarian crisis and farmers suicides due to crop failure is a matter of shame for the state. To change the current situation, sustainable farming is the need of the hour," Fadnavis said in his message on the occasion of Maharashtra Day.

Fadnavis said that maintaining law and order is of prime importance for the government and that the conviction rate has gone up to 38 percent in the 6 months of the government's tenure.
"Maintaining law and order is of utmost necessity. The government is trying to improve the conviction rate. We have succeeded in improving the conviction rate from 28-38 percent in 6 months," he said.
He said that the government has initiated the 'Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan' (integrated water conservation and management initiative) under which it aims to make 6000 villages drought free in the first phase, and subsequently, 5000 villages drought free every year.

Fadnavis said that 53 percent of the state's population is below 25 years of age and to provide them employment opportunities, the government has given priority to the 'Make in Maharashtra' initiative.
"The state government is moving towards becoming a toll-free state. Light vehicles are exempted from paying toll at certain booths," he said.
Fadnavis said that the Right to Services Act will ensure better delivery of services.