Agriculture Is Not Just a Food System but a Pillar of Culture, Environment, and Economy: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Inauguration of Pune’s First International Agri Hackathon

Pune – “Agriculture is not merely a system that provides food—it is a foundational element of culture, the environment, and the economy. If we work together with this understanding, Maharashtra’s agriculture can become a guiding force in the digital age,” said Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar. He was speaking at the inauguration of Pune’s first International Agri Hackathon, jointly organized by the State Agriculture Department, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, and the College of Agriculture, at the Irrigation Nagar Grounds.

Present at the event were Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate, MLAs Babaji Kale and Bapusaheb Pathare, Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Divisional Commissioner Kavita Dwiwedi, Director General of Maratha Chamber of Commerce Prashant Girbane, former MPKV Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajaram Deshmukh, former Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Umakant Dangat, Dr. Sanjay Sawant from Dapoli Agriculture University, and Sanjay Wagh, Deputy GM of Bank of Maharashtra.

Ajit Pawar emphasized that agriculture is not the sole responsibility of farmers but a collective one involving industry, scientists, the government, and society. The government is implementing initiatives like Agri Stack, Digital Crop Survey, Smart Irrigation, Agriculture Data Mission, FPC Empowerment, and promotion of organic farming. The core objective is to make agriculture a sustainable livelihood and accelerate agricultural progress to build a self-reliant Maharashtra.

He elaborated on the Agri Stack scheme, under which each farmer in the state is being assigned a Unique Farmer ID—a digital identity similar to Aadhaar but specific to agriculture. This ID will link all critical information such as land records, crops cultivated, subsidies received, insurance, and loans. It will eliminate the need for repetitive paperwork and ensure direct benefit transfers to genuine beneficiaries. So far, over one crore farmers in Maharashtra have registered, and Pawar urged farmers to enroll through their nearest Talathi, Agricultural Assistant, or Maha e-Seva Kendra.

He also stressed that increased production alone does not signify agricultural self-sufficiency. A value chain that ensures quality, proper marketing, market access, and fair pricing must be created. Climate change poses significant risks to farming, and the government must stand by farmers, provide knowledge, and implement innovative, research-based solutions.

The Agri Hackathon will offer a platform for researchers to present innovative ideas. Successful concepts will receive financial and technical support, and private companies will help implement these solutions on the ground. Pawar expressed confidence that this international hackathon would give new life to Maharashtra’s agriculture sector.

The initiative aims to harness AI and modern technology by bringing together young researchers, startups, and agricultural experts to solve agricultural challenges through innovation.

Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate added that ensuring the safety and sustainability of farming is a priority for the government. He called for a shift from chemical to organic farming due to the adverse effects of chemical agriculture on soil health. Boosting organic yield, market linkage, and farmer access to better facilities are critical. He shared that six advanced agriculture labs and agri-malls are being planned at the divisional level in the state.

He emphasized that the government would continue to develop new policies to empower farmers, and through this hackathon, farmers should adopt and disseminate new technologies.

Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare pointed out that despite increased production, farmer income remains stagnant, highlighting the need for new technologies. This hackathon aims to enhance farmer income alongside crop production.

Former Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajaram Deshmukh also addressed the gathering.

Deputy CM Pawar visited various agricultural exhibition stalls set up at the venue and interacted with the producers to understand their innovations and technologies.

In his introductory remarks, District Collector Jitendra Dudi stated that the hackathon is intended to increase farmer income, disseminate new technological knowledge, address agricultural challenges, and provide solutions related to water scarcity, land management, and productivity. Out of all applicants, 140 participants have been selected for presentations, and 16 will be shortlisted for top honors. The exhibition will be open to the public on June 2 and 3, with the closing ceremony scheduled on June 3.

Dr. Mahanand Mane delivered the vote of thanks.