India & World Bank sign Agreement of 210 million USD in agriculture and rural transformation

The Government of Maharashtra and World Bank signed a 210 million USD agreement to facilitate agriculture value chains, increase market access and build resilient crops.

Highlights

The Project is to be implemented in 36 districts of the state of Maharashtra. Around 43% of farmers and farm workers are expected to participate in the project. The main aim of the agreement is to facilitate small farmers compete agri-business investments and build crops resilient to flood and droughts.

It also aims in building Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures

Scenario in Maharashtra

Today, Maharashtra is the largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the country. It is also the largest exporter of pulses, fruits, cotton, vegetables and soybean. However, the area of cultivation of rice and wheat in the state has been declining constantly in the state.

Also, 43% of farm-workers and farmers participating in the project are women.

Other Programmes

India is also conducting other programmes under National Action Plan on Climate Change to promote climate smart technologies and practices and also use of less water.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

These are measures that are applied to protect animal and human life from the risks of spread of pests, diseases, toxins and contaminants in food.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020