Center to establish three new horticulture facilities in Maharashtra

Pune: Maharashtra has got a big horticulture boost from the central government. The center has decided to establish horticulture facilities for grapes, oranges, and pomegranates in three cities—Pune, Nagpur, and Solapur—under the Clean Plant Programme. The total expense on the project will be Rs 300 crore. Farmers will get healthy seedlings so that they can grow disease-free crops.

Speaking at an Agri Hackathon event at Agriculture College in Pune, Chouhan said the initiative will help farmers grow healthier crops and earn better income. "Maharashtra has shown the way to the entire country in growing quality fruits and vegetables. The Centre will support farmers to improve both production and profits," he said.

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The minister went on to say that during his visits to several other states, farmers raised the questions regarding poor-quality seedlings. “At the outset some saplings look healthy in the beginning, but later they become infected amid bacteria or viruses,” he explained. To overcome this problem, the center is ready to set up nine horticulture centers in the country; three will be in Maharashtra.

The Pune center will concentrate on the production of grapes, while Nagpur and Solapur will take all the necessary steps to increase the productivity of oranges and pomegranates, respectively.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also present at the event, promised support for young innovators from the Agri Hackathon. On this occasion, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate were also present and highlighted farmers’ support.

This initiative is expected to unveil a new chapter of horticulture in Maharashtra; the state has already made its name in the production of fruits. Now, the yield of three fruits—grapes, oranges, and pomegranates—will get a big boost with the setting up of new horticulture facilities by the central government.