Chief Minister Fadnavis Urges Agricultural Universities to Develop AI-Based Models for Crop Yield Enhancement

Parbhani, May 29 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today directed the state's agricultural universities to initiate research on using artificial intelligence (AI) to develop models aimed at enhancing the yield of major crops. He emphasized the need for innovations in crop varieties that can withstand climate change, pest infestations, and erratic rainfall.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the 53rd meeting of the Joint Agricultural Research and Development Committee, organized by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research (MCAER).

In attendance were Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate, Minister of State Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Guardian Minister Meghna Bordikar, Member of Parliament Sanjay Jadhav, MLAs Satish Chavan, Dr. Rahul Patil, Ratnakar Gutte, and Rajesh Vitekar. Other dignitaries included MCAER Vice Chairman Tushar Pawar, Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Vikaschandra Rastogi, Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare, university vice-chancellors and senior officials.

Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the central government's new initiative through ICAR, which will enable scientists, institutions, and officials to connect directly with farmers at the grassroots level. This integrated outreach program will be conducted over the next 15–20 days across India and is commencing from Maharashtra. Researchers will visit 3–4 villages daily and interact with farmers to understand and address their challenges.

Fadnavis called for increased investment in protected farming and urged universities to take up research for developing resilient seed varieties. He added that AI applications in agriculture should be scaled up under a dedicated “AI Mission,” and the state budget has allocated substantial funds for this initiative.

Universities Must Support Farmer-Innovators: Agriculture Minister Kokate

Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate praised the significant role of agricultural universities in farmers’ progress. He noted that farmers are themselves engaging in experiments and urged universities to collaborate with such farmer-innovators. He reaffirmed the state's active participation in the “One Day With Farmers” initiative launched by the central government.

Maharashtra Will Lead in Agri-Innovation: MoS Jaiswal

Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal stated that the joint committee’s deliberations would shape the future of agriculture in the state. He expressed confidence that Maharashtra would become a model state in agricultural innovation over the next five years, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence.

Awards for Excellence in Agricultural Research

Chief Minister Fadnavis presented the Excellence in Agricultural Research Awards – 2025 to top scientists from the state’s four agricultural universities:

• Dr. Madan Pendke (VNMKV Parbhani)
• Dr. Santosh Gahukar (Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola)
• Dr. Vijay Dalvi (Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli)
• Dr. Sunil Kadam (Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri)

New Government Medical College and Hospital in Parbhani

The Chief Minister also performed the e-bhoomipujan (virtual groundbreaking ceremony) for a new 100-seat Government Medical College and 430-bed hospital in Parbhani. The institution, located on a 20-hectare plot near Gangakhed Road, will include hostels, staff housing, and a guesthouse. The project is funded with an outlay of ₹403.98 crore.

Power Substation for Selu Region

CM Fadnavis also virtually laid the foundation for a new 132/33 kV power substation at Selu. The substation is expected to ensure uninterrupted and optimally pressured power supply to existing and upcoming industries in Selu taluka, including ginning, pressing, handloom units, and farmers.