Maharashtra cabinet gives nod to 'climate resilient agriculture project'

Mumbai: Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday gave a nod to a World Bank-supported ‘climate resilient agriculture project’ which aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on unpredictable weather cycles. [caption id=“attachment_2947986” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] An official from the Chief Minister’s Office said the project will be implemented in 4,000 drought-hit districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada and some 900 villages on the banks of river Purna. “Changes in climatic conditions lead to situations like drought and hailstorms that affect agricultural production in a big way… Erratic climate also leads to stress among farmers. To put an end to all this, this project will be undertaken,” the official said. A detailed project report (DPR) and manuals for the project will now be prepared. The cabinet has sanctioned the creation of 23 posts for the project. The cabinet also sanctioned gratuity and pension benefits for teaching and non-teaching staff of private and government-aided Ayurveda and Unani colleges. It would benefit the employees of a total of 20 colleges. In another decision, it increased ’transportation rebate’ given to ration shop owners. Also, it decided to set up District Mineral Foundation, a trust for protecting the interests of those affected by mining operations.