Maharashtra Government Approves ₹4 Crore Foreign Tour for Farmers Amid Drought
The Maharashtra government's decision to fund foreign tours for farmers and officials has sparked criticism during a severe drought affecting 304 talukas.
The Maharashtra Agriculture Department has approved ₹4 crore for international study tours for farmers.
Opposition leaders argue funds should support local farmers facing drought instead of foreign travel.
A total of 180 farmers and 9 officials will participate in the tours to learn modern agricultural practices.
The Maharashtra government has recently authorized a scheme that allocates ₹4 crore for sending selected farmers and officials on foreign study tours, despite the ongoing drought affecting 304 talukas across the state. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT), which argues that the funds would be better utilized to support local farmers struggling with the adverse effects of drought.
On October 23, 2026, the Agriculture Department issued a Government Resolution (GR) approving the initiative, which aims to enhance agricultural knowledge and skills among farmers. The plan allows for the selection of five farmers from each of the state's 34 districts, totaling 170 participants, along with 10 additional farmers chosen by a state-level committee. Nine officials will accompany these farmers to provide guidance during the tours.
Former Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, expressed concern over the timing of the initiative, stating, "It is inappropriate to travel in the current drought situation." He emphasized the need for financial support for farmers rather than spending on foreign tours. The tours are designed to expose participants to modern agricultural technologies and practices, which the government hopes to implement in Maharashtra to improve local agriculture.
The selection process for the tours involves a lottery system at the district level, with specific eligibility criteria including age, educational qualifications, and possession of a valid passport. Farmers must be between 25 and 60 years old, have completed at least the 12th grade, and not be in government service to qualify for the program.
As the drought crisis continues, the implications of this initiative raise questions about the priorities of the Maharashtra government. Critics argue that immediate assistance to farmers in distress should take precedence over international exposure trips. The government maintains that the knowledge gained from these tours will ultimately benefit the agricultural sector in Maharashtra, but the effectiveness of such an approach during a crisis remains to be seen.
