Jain Irrigation founder chairman Bhavarlal Jain passes away

MUMBAI: Jain Irrigation System founder Chairman and Padmashri awardee Bhavaralal Jain -- who pioneered micro-irrigation system in India -- died here today after a brief illness.

Jain, who was a renowned industrialist in Jalgaon and a pioneer in Indian agriculture, passed away in Jaslok Hospital today afternoon. He had been undergoing medical treatment at the hospital for the past 10 days, the company said in statement.

His mortal remains are being taken to Jalgaon where the cremation will take place on February 27, it added.

In his demise, the country has lost one of the pillars of modern agriculture, the company said.

NCP chief and former Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Bhavarlal Jain (Bhau), my friend, staunch Gandhian and Philanthropist."

Jain would be remembered for transforming the lives of millions of farmers by pioneering the micro irrigation system in India, he added.