The 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee has announced that Maharashtra has won the Best Agriculture State Award for 2024. The announcement was made by the committee headed by Justice P Sathasivam, former Chief Justice of India and Governor of Kerala.
Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, will receive the award on July 10, 2024, at a function in New Delhi.
Innovative Agricultural Practices of Maharashtra
Maharashtra secured this prestigious award due to its innovative agricultural and rural initiatives. The state government’s policies and high-impact developmental projects have significantly contributed to agricultural and rural prosperity.
Key highlights of Maharashtra’s agricultural innovations:
- Sustainable development policies focusing on environmental protection and food security
- Launch of the country’s largest bamboo mission covering 21 lakh hectares
- Plans to establish a green belt spanning 1.20 lakh acres in Nandurbar district
- Target to enhance irrigation capabilities across 17 lakh hectares through 123 projects
About the Agriculture Leadership Award
- Instituted by Agricultural Today magazine in 2008
- Honors contributions of various stakeholders in agriculture
- Recognizes exemplary leadership in government, individuals, and organizations
- Past recipients include:
- Rajnath Singh (current Union Defence Minister)
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan (former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister)
- Prakash Singh Badal (former Punjab Chief Minister)
Maharashtra: Economic Overview
- Largest economy among Indian states
- Contributes 12.92% to India’s Gross Domestic Product
- Per capita income higher than the national average
- Agriculture and allied activities account for 12.1% of the state’s gross state value added
Key Figures in Maharashtra
- Governor: Ramesh Bais
- Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
This award recognizes Maharashtra’s commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainable development, further cementing its position as a leader in the agricultural sector.
