Maharashtra Wins Best Agriculture State Award for 2024

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.