State govt working on model to unburden agriculture: Devendra Fadnavis

He said, “At present, 50 per cent of the state population is dependent on income through the agriculture sector. But agriculture sector’s contribution to state gross domestic production (GSDP) is only ten per cent.” Therefore, corrective steps are needed, he said.

This can be done by creating infrastructure for agro-industries, allied sectors and services sectors. The government has stressed on imparting skill development to open avenues linking employment to industries, he added.

The chief minister, while addressing the 16th edition of the Indian School of Business Leadership Summit at Hyderabad, presented a picture of social-economic and agriculture reforms and challenges in Maharashtra.

He said, “Despite 40 per cent of the country’s big dams located in Maharashtra, our irrigation potential stood at 18 per cent for last six decades. Therefore, after taking the charge of government three years ago, I switched to water conservation projects. The Jalyukta Shivar helped to make 11,494 villages drought free.”

The convergence of 14 departments under the central command proved beneficial in effective utilisation of available resources and enforcement of policies, he observed.

Highlighting the corruption challenges in the administration and the system, Fadnavis said digitalisation played an important role in weeding out financial leakages and human manipulations in implementation of public welfare schemes. “In the 20th century, roads were an index to determine development of a nation. Whereas, 21st century would be marked by development which is digitally driven,” he remarked.

The digital platform has helped in enhancing communication and connectivity in remote villages in hilly terrains like Melghat and helped to bring development to villagers doorsteps, he added.