Maharashtra Farmers: Don''t Rush Sowing, Wait for Stable Rains

Mumbai, Jun 24 (PTI) Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane on Wednesday advised farmers not to rush into sowing despite the onset of the monsoon in parts of the state, saying they should wait for adequate soil moisture and stable rainfall conditions.

The government has intensified efforts to support farmers through insurance, climate-resilient agriculture and infrastructure investments, the minister said while replying to a discussion in the legislative assembly.

Bharane said the monsoon had set in over parts of Maharashtra over the last two days and expressed hope for widespread rainfall across the state.



"Farmers should not hurry with sowing. They should first assess the moisture level in their fields and undertake sowing only after ensuring adequate soil moisture. We expect good rainfall in the next three to four days," he said.



The minister said the agriculture department was working with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the India Meteorological Department (IMD), agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras to help farmers tackle weather uncertainties, including the possible impact of El Nino.



The government was promoting climate-resilient crop varieties and modern farming practices, and providing advisories on water management and crop planning, he informed the House.



Bharane said the state government had provided nearly Rs 20,000 crore in relief to farmers affected by excessive rainfall last year, which damaged crops, farmlands, wells, electric pumps and other agricultural infrastructure. He said efforts were on to ensure assistance reaches all eligible beneficiaries.



Referring to cotton cultivation, the minister said a centrally sponsored Cotton Productivity Mission would be implemented in Maharashtra from 2026-27 to 2030-31.



Cotton remained a key crop in Vidarbha and Marathwada, where a majority of farming families depend on it for their livelihood, he noted.



"The objective of the mission is to increase productivity, promote scientific cultivation methods and improve the income of cotton growers," he said, adding that the state would make substantial budgetary provisions for the programme.



Bharane also highlighted the government's Krishi Samruddhi initiative aimed at increasing investment in agriculture, promoting water conservation and expanding the use of technologies such as drones for pesticide spraying.



On crop insurance, he said compensation of Rs 1,523 crore had been approved and distributed to affected farmers, while disbursement of the remaining Rs 59 crore was in process. He assured the House that no farmer who had genuinely suffered crop losses would be denied insurance benefits.




The revised weather-based fruit crop insurance scheme covers crops such as orange, sweet lime, pomegranate, chikoo, guava, lemon, custard apple and grapes. Compensation of Rs 45 crore has been approved under the scheme for one season, of which Rs 31 crore has already been transferred to farmers' accounts, he informed.



Bharane further said the government has expanded the Gopinath Munde Farmers Accident Insurance Scheme to include farm labourers. The scheme provides Rs 2 lakh assistance in case of accidental death and Rs 1 lakh in cases of permanent disability.



He also said that Maharashtra has adequate stocks of fertilisers and seeds for the ongoing Kharif season.



According to the minister, the Centre has allocated 43.80 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers to the state for the Kharif season, while more than 42 lakh metric tonnes are available for farmers. Seed stocks are also higher than the seasonal requirement, with 28 lakh tonnes available against a demand of about 20 lakh tonnes.



On action against counterfeit agricultural inputs, Bharane said 874 quality-control inspectors and 44 flying squads had been deployed across the state. Authorities have seized 970 metric tonnes of agricultural inputs, suspended licenses of 1,088 dealers, cancelled licenses of 220 dealers and registered 94 police cases, he said.



Bharane also said that at present, cotton cultivation is carried out with around 12,300 plants per hectare, and there is a need to improve productivity through scientific cultivation methods, better planting practices and improved technology.



"Keeping this in mind, the Government of India has decided to implement a centrally sponsored Cotton Productivity Mission in the state. This programme will be implemented over a five-year period from 2026-27 to 2030-31," he said.



The minister noted that the mission's objective is to increase cotton productivity, improve the income of cotton growers, promote modern technology and encourage scientific farming practices among farmers.



The state government will make substantial budgetary provisions for this mission and ensure its effective implementation, he said.



"Through this campaign, farmers will receive guidance on improved cultivation techniques, better seed varieties, efficient water management and measures to increase production per hectare," Bharane said.



Since cotton is the backbone of the rural economy in large parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, the government is committed to strengthening the cotton sector and improving the economic condition of the farmers.

"The Cotton Productivity Mission will play an important role in increasing production, reducing cultivation risks and ensuring better returns to farmers in the coming years," he added.