Irrigation projects approved to improve farmers' conditions: CM Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday announced that several irrigation projects have been approved to improve farmers conditions and the state is working to produce 9200 megawatts of solar energy an official statement saidCM Shinde highlighted the importance of focusing on key areas like agriculture health education environment infrastructure and energy to achieve the states goal of becoming a trilliondollar economyCM Shinde also launched two significant projects on Monday with support from the World Bank The first is the Maharashtra District Growth and Institutional Capabilities Project known as MahaSTRIDE which aims to strengthen institutional capabilities at the district level The project has received a funding commitment of USD 188 million from the World Bank the statement saidMeanwhile the second project focuses on flood management in the KrishnaBhima basin particularly in Kolhapur and Sangli districts The project valued at USD 400 million also has substantial World Bank backing The initiative aims to control and mitigate flood situations in these areasCM Shinde also highlighted Maharashtras progress towards becoming a trilliondollar economy and its role in Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a fivetrilliondollar national economy He encouraged Mitra an organization focused on development to prioritize efforts related to Mumbais infrastructure climate change and agricultural innovation including support for organic farmingDirected MITRA to support environment green energy manufacturing and education approved in principle state date policy as tool to support knowledge driven district planningmdash Eknath Shinde mieknathshinde August 12 2024Mitra has also been tasked with implementing new projects and policies including developing the State Data Policy to better utilize statistical information Partnerships with four institutionsmdashGokhale Institute IIM Nagpur IIT Mumbai and Mumbai School of Economicsmdashhave been established to enhance knowledge and trainingCM Shinde called for increased industrial development in regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha in Maharashtra and highlighted the need for green hydrogen initiatives and completion of key water projects to benefit the state the statement further saidMeanwhile Speaking at a recent meeting CM Shinde urged that allparty discussions be held to address the Maratha quota with a cooperative approach from all involvedEarlier NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar had stated that he had recently met CM Shinde and urged for an allparty meeting on the Maratha quota issue