In a major relief for farmers, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that cotton and soybean would be purchased at prices higher than the minimum support price (MSP) this season. Fadnavis revealed this during a special event in Wardha on Friday, marking the first anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said that the government had taken significant steps for the welfare of farmers. He had requested the Prime Minister to raise the import duty on crude oil to benefit the prices of soybean and cotton in the domestic market. He noted that the Prime Minister responded promptly, and as a result, soybean prices have already begun to rise. He assured that this season, the government would ensure the purchase of these crops at rates above MSP.
Fadnavis also emphasised the government’s decision to provide free electricity to farmers, reaffirming the commitment to improve the agricultural sector. At the event, the deputy CM highlighted the e-bhoomipujan (digital groundbreaking ceremony) of the PM Mitra Park in Amravati, along with the inauguration of the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centre and the Punyasloka Ahilyabai Holkar Women Startup Scheme. These initiatives, he said, would greatly enhance the livelihood opportunities for the people of Maharashtra.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which aims to uplift traditional artisans and small businesses, is expected to benefit over two lakh individuals in the state. Fadnavis declared that these programmes would transform the lives of over 6.5 lakh families by creating jobs and fostering empowerment.
Speaking about the scheme, Fadnavis praised the Prime Minister for supporting marginalised communities. He said that for years, previous governments had neglected traditional artisans like blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, sculptors, cobblers, barbers, tailors, and washermen. Under the current government, he said, they are receiving proper training and financial aid, helping them improve their livelihoods. The deputy CM expressed confidence that this would significantly change the lives of these micro OBC communities.
In a crucial meeting, Maharashtra’s agriculture minister Dhananjay Munde emphasised the need for swift disbursement of subsidies for cotton and soybean farmers. Speaking at a press conference after a review meeting with agricultural officials, Munde urged the central and state governments to expedite the allocation of funds and streamline procurement processes for cotton and soybean farmers, given the challenges faced by these sectors
Munde announced that the subsidy for soybean and cotton farmers, under the 2023 Kharif season scheme, will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of eligible farmers on September 26. This subsidy distribution will be done in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose visit to Washim on the same day is currently planned. However, the final schedule is subject to change by a day or two.
The state agriculture minister has instructed the department to complete the e-KYC verification of farmers within the next four days, ensuring that all eligible recipients receive their subsidies without delay. As per current data, around 46 lakh farmers’ bank accounts are expected to be credited with the subsidy in the first phase.
Farmers producing cotton and soybean will receive a subsidy of Rs 5,000 per hectare, with a maximum cap of two hectares per farmer. The state government has already sanctioned a total of Rs 4,194 crore for the scheme. Maharashtra has approximately 96 lakh soybean and cotton farmers, out of which 75 lakh farmers have submitted the required consent forms and no-objection certificates to the agriculture department. So far, the department has successfully uploaded the details of 64.87 lakh farmers to the Mahait system portal.
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