Farmers Should Think Like Scientists – Ajit Pawar

Closing Ceremony of ‘Indapur Agricultural Festival 2025’ in the Presence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Pune : In order to make progress in agriculture, farmers should think like scientists; they should be researchers, said Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the ‘Indapur Agricultural Festival 2025,’ organized by the Agricultural Produce Market Committee. At the event, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Dattatray Bharne, MLA Babasaheb Deshmukh, Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officer Tulshirajm Chaudhari, Director of Pune District Central Bank Appasaheb Jagdale, Chairman of Agricultural Produce Market Committee Tushar Jadhav, Vice-Chairman Manohar Dhuke, and several former and current board members were present.

In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar extended his Republic Day greetings to all. He praised the Indapur Agricultural Produce Market Committee for organizing an impressive agricultural exhibition, livestock shows, horse market, and dog show, which gave farmers the opportunity to learn about modern technologies. He acknowledged that the committee is not only providing new information and technology but also promoting the recognition of native livestock, which is commendable. He assured that funds would be allocated to build a farmer’s residence at the market committee.

Ajit Pawar further mentioned that various products, modern agricultural tools, products from women’s self-help groups, and household items were displayed at the event. He highlighted that the unique horse market in Pune district and 200 varieties of pedigree horses, along with a special dog show and livestock including bullocks and cows, were also showcased.

He noted that farmers in Indapur Taluka excel in growing fruits like pomegranate, banana, guava, grapes, and dragon fruit. He mentioned that farmers in the region have developed various varieties of grapes. “Given this, farmers should think like scientists and adopt modern technology in agriculture,” he said. He also emphasized the need to use artificial intelligence, efficient irrigation methods, improve sugarcane production, and learn how to grow high-quality flowers and fruits. He suggested that modern technologies and artificial intelligence from other states and countries should be introduced in agriculture.

Ajit Pawar further elaborated that India, being an agriculture-driven country, has immense potential for agricultural development. He said that by promoting sustainable and inclusive development in agriculture, we can seize numerous opportunities. He pointed out that agricultural products not only provide food but are also used in the country’s industrial processes. However, he also noted that global climate change poses challenges to agriculture, which might reduce the supply of agricultural goods. The high cost of inputs leads to insufficient income for farmers, and fragmented land reduces productivity. He urged that farmers must overcome these obstacles and move forward. He assured that the upcoming budget would provide maximum possible support to farmers and cautioned against exploiting such opportunities for personal gain.

During the event, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the livestock exhibition, horse races, and dog show, where he distributed prizes to the winners. He also awarded prizes to students from the District Council School who excelled in cultural performances.