The Maharashtra government will soon launch a new scheme to provide social security to agricultural labourers, Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal told the assembly on Thursday, reported news agency PTI.

While replying to a motion moved by opposition members under Rule 293, Jaiswal said the government's goal is to reduce farmer suicides to zero, and extensive efforts are being made through various schemes to support farmers and enhance the agricultural sector.

"There are 1.71 crore farmers in the state. The government is firmly behind them during crises. So far, Rs 69,889 crore has been spent on farmer welfare through schemes like Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana, Crop Insurance Scheme, agricultural mechanisation programs, and the Gopinath Munde Shetkari Sanugrah Grant Yojana," Jaiswal said, reported PTI.