Maharashtra government plans to use state of art techniques for water utilisation

MUMBAI: Maharashtra government plans to use state of the art techniques for utilisation of water resources and lend support to farmers by giving them irrigation facilities, Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao said today.

"My government will emphasise on use of state of the art techniques for utilisation of water resources in an optimum, equitable and sustainable manner and will lend support to farmers by giving irrigation facilities," Rao said addressing the joint session of Maharashtra Legislature at Vidhan Bhavan, as the Budget session began here today.

A Technology Approval Agency will be established to promote use of advanced technology, he said.

"Steps like empowerment of farmers, renovation of old projects, conjunctive use of surface and ground water, etc will be undertaken. There will be incentives for farmers' participation in the irrigation management and use of micro irrigation," he said.

Under the 'Swachh Bharat Mission', around 14.15 lakh toilets will be constructed in rural areas during 2015-16.

The government has also decided to provide toilet facilities to about 8 lakh households in urban areas, the Governor said.

In order to provide water, sanitation and other related services, the government has decided to launch the 'Jalswarajya-II' programme in 12 districts of the state with the assistance from the World Bank, he said.

Under the National Land Records Modernisation programme, an online e-mutation programme will be implemented in the state and all land records will be available on the laptops of Talathis from October 2, 2015.

Keeping in view the unprecedented drought situation and need for its mitigation, the government has provided Rs 350 crore under Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana for rejuvenation of orchards, fodder development programme and other micro-irrigation, through Mahatma Phule Jal Abhiyan, the Governor said.

Dry land farming mission would be continued with an added emphasis in this year, the Governor said.

The government took an important decision to borrow Rs 450 crore under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund from NABARD. All the pending claims for subsidy of 5 lakh farmers would be paid by the next financial year, he said.

The state witnessed a record participation of nearly 20 lakh farmers under the crop insurance scheme during 2014-15. A compensation of Rs 384 crore has been paid to 15 lakh farmers so far, Rao said.

The state has been globally recognised by the World Economic Forum for promoting value chains under Public Private Partnership for Integrated Agricultural Development, he said.

The state has been able to connect more than 5 lakh farmers with corporate players to capture domestic as well as international market. This programme will be expanded to include more farmers in next three years, the Governor said.

The government is committed to the effective implementation of Marathi language policy. It has been pursuing its proposal with the Centre to accord classical language status to Marathi. Efforts are also being made for construction of the Marathi Bhasha Bhavan, he said. 02:31 extended