Maharashtra Pushes for Higher Support Prices and Solar-Powered Farming

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced the Centre's positive stance on increasing the minimum support prices for soybean and cotton, and permitting their export. He emphasized efforts to prevent frauds and ensure sufficient compensation through crop insurance, while promising daytime electricity for agricultural pumps via solar energy projects.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar affirmed on Wednesday that the Centre is inclined to raise the minimum support prices (MSP) for soybean and cotton and will permit their export. Pawar, who handles the finance and planning portfolio, stressed that both central and state governments will adopt strict measures to prevent fraud and guarantee farmers receive adequate compensation through crop insurance companies.

In a meeting with farmer representatives, Pawar highlighted the state's ambitious goal of producing 11,500 megawatts of solar energy, which will enable agricultural pumps to receive daytime electricity. A state ministerial delegation is set to approach the Centre to request support prices and export permissions for soybean and cotton.

Pawar also mentioned ongoing discussions with the central agriculture minister about crop insurance and assured that obstacles in the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme would be resolved by the end of September. Efforts are in progress to distribute subsidies and review funds transfer issues to ensure eligible beneficiaries receive complete payments.

(With inputs from agencies.)