Maharashtra to surge cotton and soybean production
Agriculture minister Dada Bhuse , announced on Monday to spend Rs. 1000 crores in upcoming three years to promote and extend the production of cotton and soybean in Maharashtra.
The plan will be implemented under cluster projects in the districts that grow the two crops. Along with the cultivation, marketing and transportation strategies will also be developed, Bhuse said.
As per reports, area for production of cotton and soybean accounts for 46.17 lakh hectare and 39.54 lakh hectare respectively which makes 58% of the total area for cultivation of kharif crops across the state.
Bhuse also said that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a good rainfall for kharif season crops; however he also advised them to not sow the crop until adequate rainfall.
Out of the 27.50 lakh hectare sowing area in Nashik revenue division cotton captures 10.32 lakh hectare and soybean does 2.84 lakh hectare. Bhuse also asks the government to increase the subsidy on drip irrigation from 45% to 75%.
