Khadse said the upcoming kharif sowing season is vital for Maharashtra. "Many parts of the state have received deficient rains since last three years. The weather department, this time, has predicted an above average monsoon and excess rains in some parts. The agriculture department is ready for sowing. The state has enough stock of seeds and fertilizers. Over 390 squads have been assigned to keep a watch on illegal sale or supply of seeds and fertilizers," he said.
In case of excess rains, the farmers should go for crop insurance to avoid losses. All types of crops are covered under the new crop insurance scheme floated by the Union government, said Khadse.
The state government plans to set up over 6,000 onion storage structures to restrict damage to harvested crop due to untimely rains and market fluctuations. Besides, there is a plan to put up 1700 shed-net projects this year to grow and store vegetables.
Source - timesofindia.indiatimes.com
"Onions prices have seen a lot of variation. Many a times farmers have no choice but to sell onions in the market at low rates due to absence of storage facility. To overcome these problems, the government has proposed 6,000 storages in the onion producing belt of Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar and parts of Jalgaon. It will help the farmers to store the produce for at least 4-5 months," he said.
