In a ceremony recognizing Maharashtra's significant contributions to sustainable agriculture, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accepted the prestigious Best Agriculture State Award 2024 at the 15th Agriculture Leadership Committee Conclave. The award was presented by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi.

Organized by the Agriculture Today Group, the 15th Agriculture Leadership Committee Award Committee, chaired by former Supreme Court Judge and Governor of Kerala P. Sathasivam, honoured Maharashtra for its outstanding environmental protection, food security, and sustainable development policies.

Prominent figures including Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, President of Agriculture Today Group Dr. M.J. Khan, and State Agricultural Value Commission Chairman Pasha Patel were in attendance.

After receiving the award, Chief Minister Shinde highlighted various agricultural development schemes and the state's commitment to sustainable development. "Maharashtra is the mother state of the agricultural revolution, with a rich tradition of the Green Revolution and a glorious history of honoring agriculture and farmers. I come from a humble farming background and am proud to receive this award on behalf of the state," Shinde stated.

Shinde expressed his gratitude to 'Agriculture Today' and the panel of judges for selecting Maharashtra as the best performing state in agriculture. He dedicated the award to the farmers of Maharashtra, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and connection to the land.

Emphasizing the importance of modern technology in agriculture, Shinde noted that Maharashtra's progressive farmers are eager to adopt new technologies, ensuring the state's leadership in the agricultural revolution. He also addressed the pressing issue of climate change, quoting UNO Secretary General António Guterres: "The era of global warming is over, the era of global boiling has begun." In response, Maharashtra has committed to planting trees on 21 lakh hectares and utilizing 5 percent biomass, prioritizing bamboo cultivation due to its numerous environmental benefits and versatility in product manufacturing.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised Maharashtra's efforts under Shinde's leadership, particularly the decision to plant bamboo on about 10 lakh hectares to mitigate climate change impacts.