State sets target of 204 lakh metric tonnes under kharif cultivation: CM Devendra Fadnavis
Fadnavis was addressing reporters after the annual kharif review meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday. The objective of the meeting was to assess the preparedness for the kharif season, which begins with the onset of monsoon that arrives in Maharashtra in early June.
'The IMD has predicted more than average rainfall this year, which means we are going to have a good monsoon. We have set a target of 204 lakh metric tonnes of kharif crop production compared to 187 lakh metric tonnes last year, ' said the CM adding that provisions have also been made for adequate seeds and fertiliser stock.
Fadnavis expressed concern over growing complaints from farmers who are forced to buy additional fertilizers other than what they need for their crops. Cautioning farmers against sub-standard seeds and excess fertilisers, the CM said linking one product to another and selling packaged fertiliser products for profit will not be tolerated and that strong action will be initiated against any company/agency which tries to sell more fertilisers than what is required by the farmers.
It is to be noted that during the kharif season, the biggest challenge before farmers is to procure quality seeds. There are cases of bogus seeds, due to which farmers incur huge financial losses. Secondly, companies often sell two to three different fertilisers as a package. This compounding of products often leads to additional expenditure for farmers.
Taking serious note of these malpractices, Fadnavis said, 'We appeal farmers to source seeds through the central government approved SAATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) portal. Though this year, we may not succeed in addressing all the problems, next year we will completely eliminate the frauds related to both seeds and fertilisers.'
'Currently, 70,000 quintal seeds are traceable. Bogus seeds can be identified. Suppliers will be booked under the Essential Commodities Act if they coerce farmers to buy additional fertilizers, which are not needed,' said Fadnavis.
The kharif season is extremely important as it not only relates to farmers income and livelihood and food production but also drives rural economy. Every issue related to farmers and the agriculture sector should be taken up on a priority basis, he insisted.
'The state government estimates Rs 5,000 crore investment in agriculture sector. All necessary measures to make agriculture sustainable and farmers self reliant are underway. The reforms in agriculture sector–to complete with climatic changes–have to be tackled with greater zeal,' he said.
Referring to the use of technology for sustainable farming, Fadnavis said the agriculture department will hold digital workshops at the taluka level to apprise farmers about the latest technological developments in the sector.' The agriculture department has started an AI-powered app called 'Mahavistar' to share updates with farmers,' he said.
Emphasiging on the need for timely disbursement of crop loans, Fadnavis said any delay in the process is detrimental for farmers who are then forced to look at alternatives, which is not rewarding.
'District collectors have been directed to hold meetings with banks in their respective areas and ensure farmers are not inconvenienced when it comes to loans. The banks should not ask CIBIL scores for loans,' said Fadnavis.
At a state-level bankers' meeting on Tuesday, Fadnavis warned of stern action if CIBIL score was made mandatory for processing farmers crop loans. 'We have repeatedly warned banks against making CIBIL mandatory for crop loans to farmers. If anybody violates this norm, we will take strong action,' said Fadnavis.
The district authorities should closely monitor to ensure government directives are adhered to by banks. And complaints from farmers should be addressed, he said.
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