Livestock at the Core to Strengthen the Rural Economy: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister visits ‘Maha Pashudhan Expo 2026’ in Parli

Beed/Parli Vaijnath Feb 2026 : “Our true love lies in our mother and our soil. Just as it is our tradition to first pay obeisance to Nandi before seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva, we are placing livestock at the center to further strengthen the rural economy. With the integration of modern technology, this sector will help Maharashtra emerge as a global leader in milk production,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Chief Minister was speaking after inspecting the three-day Maha Pashudhan Expo 2026, organized by the Animal Husbandry Department at Opale Grounds along the Ambajogai Road in Parli Vaijnath. On the occasion, Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde, MLA Dhananjay Munde, MLA Ratnakar Gutte, senior officials of the Animal Husbandry Department, district administration, veterinary experts, and a large number of livestock farmers were present.

Reducing Climate Risk in Agriculture

Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized that the expo is not merely a ceremonial event, but a strategic step to reduce climate risk in rain-fed farming. He noted that when crops fail due to adverse weather conditions, livestock becomes the primary support system for farmers. Keeping this in mind, the state has accorded the cow not only religious importance but also economic recognition by granting it the status of “Rajyamata.”

Technology Push: AI and Embryo Transplant

Highlighting productivity gaps in the dairy sector, the Chief Minister pointed out that while cows in Punjab yield 10–15 liters of milk per day, the average in Maharashtra is around 2.5 liters. To bridge this gap, the state will adopt an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission for accurate monitoring, health management, and productivity enhancement of livestock. Advanced technologies such as embryo transplant and sex-sorted semen will be used to improve cattle breeds and boost milk production. Agreements have also been signed with Mother Dairy for projects in Vidarbha and Marathwada.

Appeal Against Misinformation

The Chief Minister urged farmers not to believe rumors regarding agricultural imports. He clarified that under the India–US agreements, there is no mention of soybean or cotton imports. On the contrary, Indian farmers now have access to the vast US market, he said, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for safeguarding Indian agriculture from unfair global competition.

‘Livestock Entrepreneurs’ in Villages

Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde announced the upcoming Chief Minister Rural Livestock Entrepreneur Scheme, encouraging rural youth to become business owners instead of job seekers. She also said that women self-help groups would receive loans at zero percent interest to help them become financially independent. She thanked the Chief Minister for granting agriculture status to animal husbandry, making Maharashtra the first state in the country to do so.

Honors, Awards, and Key Announcements

Winners under the Ahilyadevi Holkar Goat and Sheep Rearing Scheme and recipients of the Gopal Ratna Award were honored by the Chief Minister. He also released the 10th issue of the Animal Husbandry Department’s monthly magazine Mahapashudhan Varta and unveiled the department’s 2026 calendar.

Under the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (UMED), loans were symbolically distributed to eligible women self-help groups, including ₹15 lakh to the Tuljai Women SHG of Jirewadi, Parli. Grants were also released to women farmer producer companies under the SMART Project.

Tribute and Infrastructure Highlights

The Chief Minister inspected various livestock breeds on display and inaugurated the memorial gallery dedicated to late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, paying floral tribute to his memory.

Key Points from the Chief Minister’s Address

• Udgir Project: Revival of the Udgir milk powder plant with an investment of ₹100 crore.
• Natural Farming: Promotion of Jeevamrut made from cow dung and urine to restore soil health.
• Veterinary Services: Modernization of 2,841 veterinary hospitals and expansion of mobile animal ambulance services.
• Growth Target: Increasing the livestock sector growth rate from the current 4–8% to 25%.
• National Livestock Mission: Approval granted to 366 projects across Maharashtra.

The event witnessed an overwhelming response from citizens of Parli and farmers from across Marathwada, reflecting strong grassroots support for strengthening the livestock-driven rural economy.