Greening Maharashtra is a true tribute to Vasantrao Naik – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Mumbai : In recent years, the effects of global warming such as temperature rise, environmental imbalance, and unseasonal rain have become evident. To address these issues, the state government is taking various measures to realize the late former Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik’s dream of a green Maharashtra. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized that a green Maharashtra will be a true tribute to Vasantrao Naik.

On the occasion of former Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik’s birth anniversary, the Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Research and Village Development Pratishthan organized Agriculture Day and the Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Award Distribution Ceremony 2024 at Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan Auditorium this evening. Chief Minister Shinde spoke at the event.

Present at the occasion were Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde, State Agricultural Value Commission Chairman Pasha Patel, MLA Nilay Naik, MLA Rajesh Rathod, MLA Indranil Naik, Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Jotirao Phule Agricultural University Rahuri Dr. Prashant Kumar Patil, President of the Foundation Rajendra Barwale, Secretary Deepak Patil, Trustee Dr. Anand Patwardhan, and Mushtaq Anturle.

Chief Minister Shinde stated that farmers are the backbone of the world, and without their contribution, the prosperity of the country or Maharashtra is impossible. The state government views farmers as providers of food and is implementing various schemes for their overall welfare. Former Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik, being a farmer’s son, understood the labor and hardships of farmers. During times of food shortages, he implemented various schemes and encouraged the cultivation of hybrid sorghum. He envisioned a green revolution. To increase the green area, the state government has initiated Mission Bamboo Plantation, recognizing bamboo as green gold with various product applications. The state aims to cultivate bamboo in a total area of 21 lakh hectares.

The state government is committed to the welfare of farmers. It has revised the NDRF criteria to compensate farmers, doubling the compensation amount and applying the criterion to three hectares instead of two. Compensation was also granted for damages due to incessant rains. A financial aid of six thousand rupees was introduced for farmers, similar to the central government. The budget has waived the electricity bill of agricultural pumps up to seven horsepower. Various decisions have been taken and implemented to support farmers, including encouraging cereal cultivation, Chief Minister Shinde noted.

Agriculture Minister Munde praised the initiative of Vasantrao Naik Pratishthan, noting that the employment guarantee scheme started by Vasantrao Naik has become a model for the country. Farmers receive crop insurance benefits, and various schemes are being implemented for their welfare. Minister Munde expressed hope that other farmers would take inspiration from the agriculture award winners and experiment in agriculture. Foundation President Barwale provided the background of the awards in the introduction, and Secretary Deepak Patil expressed gratitude.

The award winners of the Foundation were as follows:

• Vasantrao Naik Shared Award: Shri Kanhayalal Multi-Purpose Institution, Rohod, Sakri, Dist. Dhule
• Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Outstanding Contribution Award: Cast Project of Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar
• Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Scientist and Literary Award: Captain Dr. Laxmikant B. Kalantri, Nagpur
• Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Journalism Award: Srikant Kuvalekar, Mumbai
• Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Export Award: Lukman Ismail Shaikh, Anturli, Tt. Muktainagar, Dist. Jalgaon
• Vasantrao Naik Horticulture Award: Bhimrao Kadu, Pardi-Deshmukh, Ph.D., Kalameshwar, Dist. Nagpur
• Vasantrao Naik Vegetable and Nursery Conservation Award: Madhukar Ishwardas Gawli, Md. Po. Ugaw, Niphad, Dist. Nashik
• Vasantrao Naik Dairying and Animal Husbandry Award: Shri Dagdu and Mrs. Kavita Lokhande, Md. Po. Bevanur, Jat, Dist. Sangli
• Vasantrao Naik Water Conservation Award: Vaijinath Ghongde, Md. Po. Wadegaon, Sangola, Dist. Solapur
• Vasantrao Naik Biodiversity Conservation Award: Borgad Reserve Forest Conservation Area, Borgad, Dist. Nashik (Rajesh Kurup, Anmal Khan)
• Vasantrao Naik Modern Flower Farming Award: Dr. Bhagyashree Prasad Patil, Pune
• Vasantrao Naik Modern Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing Startup Award: Ajit Kharjul, Md. Po. Eklahare, Dist. Nashik
• Vasantrao Naik Social Forestry Award: Sanjeev Shashikant Karpe, Md. Po. Pingurli, Kudal, Dist. Sindhudurg
• Vasantrao Naik Agriculture Centered Village Development Award: Mr. Po. Parule Bazar, Vengurla, Dist. Sindhudurg
• Vasantrao Naik Innovative Farmer Award: Rahul Amrita Rasal, Md. Po. Nighoj, Parner, Dist. Ahmednagar
• Vasantrao Naik Natural Farming Award: Vasudev Bhaskar Gaikwad, Md. Po. Come on, Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur
• Vasantrao Naik Pulses Conservation Award: Sharad Sarjerao Pawar, Md. Po. Ahirwadi, Walwa, Dist. Sangli