June 25, 2024 8:15 PM.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed district authorities to clear all pending compensation due to farmers by 30th June. Chairing a meeting to review the progress of Kharif sowing, Mr. Shinde said district officials must ensure that farmers receive good quality seeds on time. While asking officials to focus on areas that have received less than 25 percent of the average rainfall so far, the Chief Minister said agricultural universities must also come up with new research and innovations for the sector’s improvement. He also asked authorities to try and increase bamboo cultivation across the state.
Also present for the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed district authorities to initiate strict action against companies supplying bogus seeds besides those who offer seed-fertiliser linkage. With the El Nina expected to bring in heavy rainfall in July, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar instructed officials to stay prepared and lend help in case of any emergency situation.
State agriculture minister Dhanajay Munde informed that farmers can complain on Whatsapp Number 9822446655 and report hoarding of seeds or linkage activities.
According to an official press release, Kharif cultivation is expected over an area of 142.38 lakh hectares with major crops being cotton, soybean, rice, maize and pulses.