Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressing the State Budget Session, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers, women, and underprivileged sections while strengthening key sectors such as health, employment, industries, and infrastructure. He emphasized the government’s inclusive approach to building a progressive and developed Maharashtra.
The governor highlighted the state’s focus on sustainable energy, particularly the increased production and supply of ethanol as an alternative fuel. “We are determined to achieve the target of supplying 121 crore litres of ethanol from sugar mills to oil marketing companies for the ethanol year 2024-25,” he said.
Expanding opportunities in the agricultural sector remains a priority for the government. Under the “Maa Gele Tyala Solar Pump Yojana,” 3,12,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps have been installed, with a plan to distribute one million more in the next five years. The state aims to become the first in the country to transition all agricultural power lines to solar energy under the “Pradhan Mantri-Kusum” and “Mukhyamantri Solar Krishi Vahini Yojana.” In just nine months, 119 solar power lines with a total capacity of 147 MW have been operationalized.
To support silk farmers in Jalna district, an open market for the trade of silkworm cocoons has been developed, with the infrastructure now ready for operations. This initiative is expected to boost silk production and productivity in the region.
Under the “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Yojana,” more than 9.5 million farmers in Maharashtra have been identified as beneficiaries, with over 8.7 million receiving Kisan Credit Cards. The scheme provides financial aid and loan facilities, and for the 2024-25 financial year, crop loans worth INR 74,781 crore are targeted for distribution, of which INR 55,334 crore has already been disbursed through banks.
The “Silt-Free Dams, Fertile Fields” initiative has resulted in the removal of 40 million cubic meters of silt from 1,274 reservoirs this year, benefiting over 95,000 acres of farmland and 31,000 farmers. The “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchan Yojana” is also driving awareness about watershed management through the “Watershed Yatra,” covering 140 projects across 30 districts from February 8 to March 31, 2025.
To improve groundwater management, Maharashtra is implementing the “Atal Bhujal Yojana” with an investment of INR 1,336 crore, bringing more than 132,000 hectares of farmland under micro-irrigation. Additionally, the launch of “Agristack” – Agricultural Digital Public Infrastructure – aims to streamline digital service delivery of government schemes to farmers.
The state has also prioritized procurement under the “Minimum Support Price Scheme,” acquiring 5,62,000 metric tons of soybeans through 562 procurement centers. These initiatives underscore Maharashtra’s commitment to fostering agricultural growth and sustainable development.
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