Centre set target of 8 percent growth:
Maharashtra: New crop pattern for drought-hit districts
Apart from crops like cotton, sugarcane, jowar and tur dal (pulses), there is emphasis on promoting horticulture and floriculture under controlled water and temperature technology to ensure assured income for farmers. The region-wise crop pattern changes are being modelled, and would be discussed with farmers in the next two months.
The government is making higher investments in horticulture and floriculture which brings better returns for farmers, he observed. In Osmanabad, at least 12 farmers’ groups have launched a campaign to explore alternative crop patterns. District collector Prashant Narnavere said, “The cultivation of betel leaves (paan) has become a success.” The vines grow in three to six months. It requires moderate wet soil but not waterlogging.
Some have taken to cultivation of “jerbera” flowers which do not require intense water. There is a move to promote tur dal in the drought belt as it is not a highly water intensive crop. The centre and the state are giving incentives to promote tur dal cultivation and oilseeds in some parts.
Click here to read the complete article at indianexpress.com
