Maharashtra bags the Best Agriculture State Award for 2024

The 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee has announced that Maharastra has won the Best Agriculture State Award for 2024. The announcement was made by the 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee, headed by Justice P Sathasivam, former Chief Justice of India and Governor of Kerala.

The Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde, will receive the award on 10 July 2024 at a function in New Delhi. 

Innovative Agricultural Practices of Maharashtra 

Maharashtra has been chosen for this award for its innovative agricultural and rural initiatives. 

The award recognises the Maharashtra government's innovative policies and high-impact developmental initiatives, which have led to the advancement of agricultural and rural prosperity in the state.

The award acknowledged Maharashtra's sustainable development policies focusing on environmental protection and food security.

The Maharashtra government has launched the country’s largest bamboo mission covering 21 lakh hectares.

In the recent budget, the Maharashtra government announced plans to establish a green belt spanning 1.20 lakh acres in the Nandurbar district in collaboration with the Central and state governments. 

The Maharashtra government has also set a target to enhance irrigation capabilities across approximately 17 lakh hectares through the execution of 123 projects.

Agriculture Leadership Award 

The annual Agricultural Leadership Award was instituted by Agricultural Today magazine in 2008. The award honours the contributions of various stakeholders—government, individuals, and organisations—who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in agriculture.

In the past, current Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, former Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, etc, have won the award.

Maharashtra 

Amongst the states in India, Maharashtra is the largest economy. The contribution of the Maharatsra to the country’s Gross Domestic Product is 12.92%. The state has a per capita income higher than the national average.

Agriculture and allied activities account for around 12.1 per cent of the state's gross state value added. 

Governor of Maharashtra - Ramesh Bais

Chief Minister of Maharstara - Eknath Shinde