The assembly, held on the Commissionerate of Agriculture in Pune, was chaired by Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension) of the Division of Agriculture and Farmers‘ Welfare, Authorities of India, and Sunil Chavan, Commissioner of Agriculture, Authorities of Maharashtra.
The assembly aimed to evaluate the influence of the rainfall deficit and devise contingency plans to sort out potential challenges. Officers from varied departments, together with involved scheme nodal officers from the state, have been current to debate the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Central Sector Schemes within the agriculture sector.
The assembly commenced with an intensive analysis of the monsoon’s progress in Maharashtra and the forecast for July 2023. Ok.S. Hosalikar, Addl. Director Normal of the Indian Meteorological Division (IMD), Pune, offered an replace on the rainfall scenario.
At present, the state faces a rainfall deficit of 39%. Nevertheless, the IMD predicts an enchancment in monsoon situations in July, providing a glimmer of hope. Whereas the Konkan area obtained above-normal rainfall, areas like Marathwada, Vidharbha, and Madhya Maharashtra skilled poor rainfall. However, the IMD’s forecast signifies regular to above-normal rainfall within the upcoming two weeks.
Dilip Zende, Director of Agriculture, Authorities of Maharashtra, delivered a complete presentation on the state’s agriculture actions, main crops, and ongoing schemes. He emphasised the measures being taken to handle drought preparedness and warranted that Maharashtra has obtained all obligatory directions from the Central Authorities.
The assembly additionally highlighted the just lately celebrated “Krishi Sanjeevani Week” in Maharashtra. This week-long occasion, held from June 25 to July 1, aimed to lift consciousness about essential agricultural features, together with soil well being, crop applied sciences, and processing applied sciences.
The week concluded with the celebration of “Krishi Din” (Agriculture Day) on July 1, marking the start anniversary of the late Vasantrao Naik, a outstanding determine within the subject of agriculture.
Authorities revealed that contingency plans have been formulated for every district in collaboration with 4 State Agricultural Universities, the Central Analysis Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). These plans have been communicated to related subject functionaries, akin to Joint Administrators of Agriculture, District Agriculture Officers, and District Collectors.
As of July 3, 2023, round 20.60 lakh hectares of land have been sown in Maharashtra, and authorities anticipate additional progress within the coming days. Main Kharif crops, together with soybean, cotton, pulses, and paddy, are being cultivated to satisfy the agricultural calls for of the state.
The assembly additionally reviewed the implementation of Central schemes. Maharashtra demonstrated commendable efficiency in executing the Per Drop Extra Crop scheme, a centrally sponsored initiative. Within the 2022-23 fiscal yr, subsidies have been disbursed to 1,27,627 beneficiary farmers, and 1,12,000 hectares of land have been introduced beneath irrigation.
Officers mentioned the fund requisition for centrally sponsored schemes and knowledgeable that the State Degree Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) assembly was held on Might 17, 2023. Maharashtra has submitted fund requisitions for all schemes, besides the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Growth of Potential Areas (RKVY-DPR) element, which might be submitted within the subsequent 2-3 days.
Maharashtra has already obtained the primary installment of funds beneath the sub mission on agriculture extension and warranted that the funds might be utilized as per tips for the graceful launch of additional installments.
Up to date: 04 Jul 2023, 10:16 PM IST