Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised Maharashtra’s efforts in developing a cotton plucking machine and assured full government support for the initiative. He also instructed the Ministry of Agriculture’s mechanisation division to undertake a similar project, reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing farm mechanisation

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently commended Maharashtra’s initiative to develop a cotton plucking machine, underscoring the importance of mechanisation in addressing the critical shortage of farm laborers. Speaking at the launch of the “One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team” programme, aimed at enhancing coordination across agricultural stakeholders, Chouhan shared insights from his visit to Brazil, where he observed a cotton plucking machine capable of performing the work of 12 farmhands. He emphasized that such technology could revolutionize cotton harvesting in India, where plucking remains a highly labor-intensive process.

Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate highlighted labor scarcity as a significant challenge hampering the sector, reinforcing the urgent need for mechanisation solutions. Chouhan echoed this sentiment, urging a broader push toward farm mechanisation to boost productivity and ease the burden on farmers.

Beyond mechanisation, the minister stressed the critical role of soil health in shaping sustainable cropping patterns. He encouraged farmers to adopt practices that enhance soil fertility, including crop diversification, which can help maintain the long-term productivity of the land.

Chouhan also advocated for a balanced approach to natural farming, advising farmers to start small and gradually expand rather than attempting a full-scale transition immediately. He pointed out that when implemented correctly, natural farming does not necessarily reduce input levels but warned that some farmers’ improper practices have led to suboptimal results.

The “One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team” initiative launched during the event aims to foster seamless collaboration among government bodies, agricultural scientists, input suppliers, and farmers to collectively address the sector’s challenges and enhance overall productivity.

As India’s agriculture sector grapples with labor shortages and sustainability concerns, such efforts underscore the government’s commitment to equipping farmers with modern tools and knowledge, ensuring the long-term viability of farming livelihoods.