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.