Mumbai, Sep 30 (FN Agency) Since no society and nation building is possible without the contribution of farmers, the Maharashtra government is committed to empower farmers, asserted state Governor C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday. Speaking as chief guest at agricultural awards distribution function held here this evening, he said that 140 crore people of the country have no future without farmers. Giving an historical example of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Governor said Chhatrapati Shivaji could create a great history because the farmers stood firmly behind him. This is the great history of Maharashtra, he noted. Talking highly about crop insurance scheme, Radhakrishnan described the Rs one insurance scheme implemented by the state government as ‘historic’. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar called farmers as the true brand ambassadors of Maharashtra and assured to honour farmers every year from now on. The award amount has been quadrupled in a manner befitting a progressive Maharashtra, he said added.
Pawar further said that the ‘panchnama’ work for assessment of compensation for damaged crops due to excess rainfall in the state is currently in progress. He also said that Rs 5,000 per hectare subsidy announced for cotton and soybean farmers will be transferred on Monday (tomorrow). Pawar assured the farmers of Maharashtra that they will soon receive electricity bills with zero remaining balance and zero next bill. In this programme, a total of 448 awards were presented to farmers, individuals, organisations, officers and employees who have done remarkable work through the Department of Agriculture. The awards for past three years of 2020, 2021 and 2022 were presented in a grand programme held at the National Sports Complex in Worli, Mumbai.