Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane Holds First Review Meeting in Pune, Announces Kisan Call Centre for Farmers
During the meeting, Minister Bharane made it clear that farmers will remain at the center of every decision. He emphasized that farmer-centric governance is essential for Maharashtra’s agricultural progress.
“If farmers thrive, the nation progresses. Every scheme and program of the Agriculture Department should revolve around farmers’ needs,” he stated.
The minister also urged the department to adopt modern agricultural technology, stressing that innovations and digital tools can directly benefit farmers in terms of productivity, resilience, and profitability.
He further highlighted the importance of leveraging the expertise of senior officials who had successfully implemented major projects like POCRA (Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture). According to Bharane, such experience will help the department design effective schemes tailored to the challenges faced by farmers.
Launch of the Kisan Call Centre
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the announcement of a dedicated Kisan Call Centre for Maharashtra’s farmers. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that farmers get immediate guidance and expert support during times of distress.
“A farmer in distress needs instant advice and solutions. This call centre will act as a direct lifeline, providing timely support on issues ranging from crop diseases to weather-related crises,” Bharane explained.
The Kisan Call Centre will be operational round-the-clock, helping farmers receive expert advice on farming techniques, crop planning, soil management, and access to government schemes. This move is expected to bridge the gap between policy-making and field-level execution.
Accountability and Recognition for Agricultural Staff
Minister Bharane strongly advocated for accountability in the Agriculture Department. He directed that agricultural assistants, who work directly with farmers in villages, should be provided with modern digital tools and field equipment to improve their efficiency.
He warned that strict action would be taken against staff who neglect their duties or delay farmer-related work. At the same time, he assured that dedicated and hardworking employees would be recognized and rewarded for their service.
This dual approach of accountability and recognition is expected to boost the morale of officials while ensuring that farmers receive faster and more reliable services.
Tackling Crop Losses Due to Heavy Rainfall
A major concern raised during the meeting was the heavy rainfall and subsequent crop losses in several parts of Maharashtra. Minister Bharane instructed agriculture officers to work closely with the Revenue Department to ensure quick panchnamas (crop damage assessments) for affected farmers.
He emphasized that compensation and relief packages must reach farmers without unnecessary delays. “When a farmer loses his crop, it is not just a financial setback but an emotional one. The department must act swiftly to support them,” he added.
Modernization and Digitization of Agriculture
Looking to the future, Bharane stressed that digitization of the agriculture sector is the way forward. From real-time weather alerts to soil testing apps, digital innovations can transform how farmers approach agriculture.
He also spoke about the need to integrate artificial intelligence, drones, and satellite-based monitoring for crop health and irrigation management. Such technologies, according to him, can help Maharashtra farmers adopt climate-resilient farming practices and reduce dependency on traditional methods alone.
Strengthening Farmer Welfare Programs
Apart from the Kisan Call Centre, the minister also reviewed ongoing welfare schemes for farmers, including:
-
Crop insurance schemes for financial protection against natural calamities.
-
Subsidy programs for seeds, fertilizers, and modern farm equipment.
-
Training workshops to educate farmers about organic farming, soil health, and sustainable practices.
Bharane assured that farmer welfare programs would not remain on paper but would be implemented effectively on the ground. He asked the department to conduct regular field visits to monitor the progress of these schemes.
A Farmer-Centric Vision for Maharashtra
The meeting marked the beginning of a farmer-first approach under Dattatray Bharane’s leadership. With his emphasis on policy reform, accountability, technology adoption, and quick grievance redressal, the minister has laid the foundation for a stronger and more supportive agricultural ecosystem in Maharashtra.
The introduction of the Kisan Call Centre has already generated optimism among farmer groups, who see it as a step toward direct communication and faster solutions. As the monsoon season continues, the state’s agriculture department will be tested on how effectively it delivers support to farmers facing weather-related challenges.
With Bharane’s clear message—“Farmers’ prosperity is the key to national progress”—Maharashtra is set to witness a renewed focus on agriculture, ensuring that farmers’ voices remain at the heart of policymaking.