Daijiworld Media Network - Nashik
Nashik, Jul 22: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate on Tuesday announced a major agriculture initiative—Krishi Samruddhi Yojana—aimed at boosting farmer incomes through sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices. The scheme promises Rs 25,000 crore in funding over five years, starting from the 2025-26 financial year, with Rs 5,000 crore allocated annually.
Calling the scheme a “gift to farmers” on the birthdays of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Kokate said it was launched at a critical time when farmers are grappling with financial losses caused by unseasonal rains and market volatility.
“The programme is designed to promote capital investment, reduce input costs, enhance productivity, and diversify crops while ensuring long-term sustainability,” said Kokate. It will also help build infrastructure, strengthen value chains, and distribute health cards to screened beneficiaries.
According to Kokate, farmers are the backbone of Maharashtra’s rural economy, and the government’s vision is to bring "true prosperity" to their lives through this flagship initiative.
However, the announcement was overshadowed by a swirling controversy. Kokate has recently come under fire after a video surfaced allegedly showing him playing an online rummy game during the monsoon session of the state legislature. Despite widespread calls for his resignation from opposition parties and farmer organisations, the minister denied wrongdoing and called for an investigation into the matter, stating he would resign if found guilty.
The situation worsened when Kokate, in an attempt to defend farmers, said, “The government is a beggar, not the farmers,” a statement that triggered further backlash.
Chief Minister Fadnavis distanced himself from Kokate’s defence, saying, “It is unacceptable that a minister was seen playing Junglee Rummy during an important Assembly session. His explanation is unconvincing. Ministers are expected to be attentive, not distracted.”
As the controversy rages, the opposition has continued to pressure the government for accountability, casting a shadow over the rollout of what could be one of Maharashtra’s most ambitious farm support schemes in recent years.