In the heart of rural Maharashtra, a quiet revolution is unfolding, one that promises to reshape the future of Indian agriculture. The Krushak Swaraj Farmer Producer Company, based in the Rajura region, has emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation for small and marginal farmers, offering a replicable model for sustainable, profitable, and organized…
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several states in India due to heavy rainfall. Areas like Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jammu are particularly at risk. The IMD predicts that heavy rain will continue across northwest and central India, with peak intensity expected in these regions. In Himachal Pradesh, heavy…
The Maharashtra government has confirmed that 767 farmers died by suicide between January and March 2025, underscoring the persistent agrarian crisis in the state. Almost 9 cases every day. Of these cases, 373 families were found eligible for financial compensation, while 200 were declared ineligible, and inquiries in 194 cases are still pending, according to Relief and…
Farmers from 12 districts gathered at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on March 12 to protest against the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. This project is estimated to cost ₹86,300 crore and has raised significant concerns among the local farming community. The primary worry is the potential loss of agricultural land needed for the highway. The farmers…
The Vasantrao Naik Farmer Magazine, a significant publication for farmers in Maharashtra, is facing serious challenges. Established in June 1965 by former Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik, it was intended as a source of innovative agricultural knowledge for farmers. For over 60 years, it has served as a vital tool for farmers to access information on…
Farmers in Maharashtra are increasingly turning to the illegal Herbicide Tolerant Bt (HTBt) cotton. This trend is driven by high labour costs associated with traditional Bt cotton. Laximant Kauthankar, a farmer from Adgaon Budruk village, explains that weed control for Bt cotton costs him over ₹20,000 per acre, while it costs just ₹2,000 for HTBt….
Maharashtra has a rich history of pastoral traditions. For centuries, shepherds moved freely across lands to graze their sheep. This movement was supported by the local government and was an important part of their culture. However, a new study by Rushikesh Gawade, a PhD researcher at IIT Bombay, shows that colonial land reforms have erased…
Maharashtra is facing a serious shortage of urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizers as the kharif sowing season approaches. This shortage is causing significant stress for farmers who are trying to prepare their fields for planting. Stakeholders have raised concerns about the government’s failure to supply adequate fertilizers, which are essential for crop cultivation. Currently,…
At a time when Maharashtra’s farmers are grappling with soaring input costs and erratic weather patterns, a crucial government service lies dormant in the heart of Nagpur. The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Nagpur, which once proudly offered soil testing services to farmers for just ₹30, has not been functioning for over a year. The…
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms impacting over 15 states as the monsoon intensifies. As we approach the end of June 2025, farmers across India are feeling the effects of a delayed monsoon. With sowing disrupted, many are faced with tough decisions about their crops. In states like Maharashtra,…
