Government to Provide Funds for Strengthening Agricultural Produce Market Committees – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Inauguration of New Farmer Bhavan and Canteen Building of Rahuri Agricultural Produce Market Committee

Shirdi – The state government is committed to providing the necessary funds to modernize and strengthen Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across Maharashtra by equipping them with advanced technologies and systems, stated Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed Farmer Bhavan and Canteen building of the Rahuri Agricultural Produce Market Committee. The event was attended by MLA Kashinath Date, former MLA Lahu Kanade, Kailas Patil, Dr. Baburao Bapuji Tanpure Cooperative Sugar Factory Director Adv. Keru Pansare, Market Committee Chairman Arunrao Tanpure, Harsh Tanpure, Rajendra Nagwade, Ashok Sawant, Kapil Pawar, and other dignitaries.

Deputy CM Pawar emphasized that APMCs are institutions owned by farmers and the community, and should be operated profitably and efficiently. He highlighted that the government has allocated ₹500 crore to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture. Farmers should adopt modern technology in farming to boost sugarcane production and shift towards fruit cultivation, crop rotation, and sustainable practices. He also encouraged the new generation to take the lead in building eco-friendly and waste-free cities.

Housing and Women’s Welfare Schemes

He informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 20 lakh homes have been sanctioned for Maharashtra, with 5 brass (units) of sand to be provided free for their construction. The “Ladki Bahin Yojana” has received a budget allocation of ₹45,000 crore this year, benefitting only those women whose families have an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh. He appealed to members of salaried families not to misuse this scheme.

Support for Farmers and Welfare Schemes

Mr. Pawar said the state has allocated ₹20,000 crore to provide free electricity to 45 lakh farmers, and is offering crop loans up to ₹3 lakh at zero percent interest. An annual provision of ₹5,000 crore has been made for farmer welfare schemes, amounting to a total spend of ₹25,000 crore over the next five years.

The monthly allowance under the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana for differently-abled beneficiaries has been increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. The government is also committed to onion procurement through NAFED, and appropriate measures are being taken. Within its revenue limits, the state has the authority to borrow, and Maharashtra accounts for 16% of the country’s GST, receiving 8% of it as the state’s share.

Infrastructure Development

The Pune–Ahilyanagar railway line has been approved by the central government. Land will be acquired through the land acquisition process, ensuring fair compensation to farmers. This route will ease transportation of agricultural produce.

Night landing facilities have been launched at Shirdi airport, and approval has been granted for a modern terminal. This will enable international flights to bring devotees directly to Shirdi, thereby boosting the local economy.

Praise for Rahuri APMC

Commending the work of the Rahuri APMC, the Deputy CM said it is among the top 10 market committees in the state, and a modern ginning mill will soon be established on 15 acres in Vaburi.

The event began with a welcome speech by Committee Chairman Arun Tanpure, who stated that the Farmer Bhavan and canteen building was constructed at a cost of ₹1.80 crore, and that the committee currently holds ₹19 crore in deposits.