Pune, June 8: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the new project of John Deere Intelligent Solutions at Sanaswadi near Pune, and called upon the company to take the lead in manufacturing technologically advanced smart machines in Maharashtra and exporting them globally.
Speaking at the inauguration event at the Shirur Industrial Estate, CM Fadnavis said that John Deere India has rightly emphasized the 'Make in Maharashtra' initiative. He urged the company to contribute to the prosperity of the agriculture sector and empower farmers by producing high-tech smart machines locally and exporting them worldwide.
Present at the event were District Collector Jitendra Dudi, PMRDA Commissioner Deepak Singla, Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill, Rajesh Sinha, Mukul Vasne, Devendra Bahirat, and other dignitaries.
Highlighting John Deere’s consistent value and progress in India and across the globe, CM Fadnavis said that climate change is impacting agriculture, and companies like John Deere are playing a vital role by introducing advanced technologies. He emphasized the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture and noted that this tech-driven transformation is enhancing productivity and bringing significant positive changes to the sector.
Referring to the recent Agritech Hackathon held in Pune, the Chief Minister mentioned the emergence of several innovative ideas. He expressed confidence in John Deere’s capability to transform these ideas into products and deliver them to farmers. Innovation is key to sustaining market relevance, he said, and John Deere is at the forefront of that. The company should now extend its smart machinery revolution to farmers and produce machines locally for global markets. He assured full support from the Maharashtra government for John Deere’s expansion in the state.
Fadnavis further appreciated the company’s progressive employment policy, noting that 70% of its workforce comprises women, which contributes to its success. He praised John Deere India for aligning with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India,’ ‘Design in India,’ and ‘Make for the World’. The company currently exports to nine countries, and 80% of its revenue comes from exports. The CM highlighted that India has the talent and quality needed for advanced design work, and John Deere is conducting both product designing and validation in Maharashtra, making it a truly local yet global enterprise.
He emphasized that agriculture needs more advanced technology, automation, and AI compared to other sectors. This transformation will change traditional farming methods, bring greater precision in farm activities, and ultimately impact production and productivity. John Deere has already been providing advanced solutions throughout the agricultural process — from sowing to post-harvest.
Rajesh Sinha, in his introductory speech, shared details of the project. He noted that John Deere India has made its fifth major investment in Maharashtra, attracted by the state’s favorable industrial environment. The new project will support farmers by leveraging AI for better agricultural productivity. Over the past seven years, John Deere has significantly contributed to the agriculture and road-building sectors in India. He also confirmed that the products manufactured in Pune are entirely made in India.
Before the formal ceremony, CM Fadnavis visited and inspected the new facility, receiving a detailed briefing on its operations.
.jpeg)
0 Comments