PUNE: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that his government was committed to making farmers in the State self-reliant.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Krushik 2020, a three-day agro exhibition organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Baramati, the home turf of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar. It was Thackeray’s first visit to Baramati after assuming charge as the chief minister of the State. He reached the venue of the event in a battery-operated vehicle with Sharad Pawar sitting next to him.
During his speech, Uddhav Thackeray lauded the Krishi Vigyan Kendra for its innovative research in agriculture.
“Innovative research is being carried out at this centre, including in the field of drip irrigation, wherein water slowly reaches the roots of the crop. In a similar way, we will have to ensure that the research in agriculture percolates and reaches not only to the other parts of the State but also across the country,” he said. Thackeray said farmers often face losses due to droughts and hailstorms. “Panchanamas (assessment) is conducted. Sometimes, farmers get compensation and sometimes not. But there is a need to make farmers in the State self-reliant and the government will certainly do it. The work is a little difficult and hence, we need people’s blessings,” the CM said.
Thackeray highlighted the importance of water management and said it is important to work for the same with a futuristic point of view so that agriculture will prosper.
He added that the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has come to power in the State at the ‘right time’.
Pawar applauded Krushik 2020 and said every year, with the help of the platform, new innovation comes. He said agriculture in the world is evolving and therefore, productivity is increasing.
He said there is a need for continuous improvement, change and research in this area. There is a need to promote useful research in the country. He said the State government would encourage farmers to implement drip irrigation. Actor Aamir Khan was also present at the event.