He also stressed the need for research into crop varieties that require less water. Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said farmers who rear animals alongside cultivating crops are better placed to withstand difficult times.
On the development of new crop varieties, he said, “Our agriculture universities are developing new seed and crop varieties and trying to increase output even when water is scarce. Speaking about indigenous cows, he said they played an important role in the overall farming ecosystem and should not be valued for their milk alone. Farming needs scientific research, skilled manpower and innovation. This is an El Niño year, and the rainfall deficit was so huge that crops were destroyed on a large scale. The chief minister also stressed the need to conserve livestock and promote new treatments and scientific experiments that could help livestock owners derive greater benefits from their animals.
Speaking about the challenges faced by farmers today, Fadnavis said, “Climate change is hurting farming more than any other sector.