Pune/Mumbai, June 3, 2025 —
India is stepping up its commitment to agricultural transformation with a major announcement made during the conclusion of the country’s first International Agri Hackathon held in Pune. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis were present at the event.
🔹 9 ‘Clean Plant’ Projects Announced
🔹 3 of These Projects to be Set Up in Maharashtra
🔹 Rs 300 Crore Investment for Disease-Free Planting Material
🔹 India’s First International Agri Hackathon Successfully Concluded
🔹 Startup Awards Recognized Innovations in Agriculture Technology
Maharashtra to Host Key ‘Clean Plant’ Hubs
In a significant move to improve the quality of planting materials in horticulture, the Central Government will launch nine ‘Clean Plant’ projects across India. Of these, three projects will be established in Maharashtra:
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Pune – For grapes
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Nagpur – For oranges
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Solapur – For pomegranates
The total investment for these projects will be ₹300 crore. These centres will ensure the production of disease-free planting materials, helping farmers increase productivity and exports.
The Minister also announced the setup of modern nurseries, backed by:
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₹3 crore for large nurseries
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₹1.5 crore for medium nurseries
These nurseries are expected to provide 8 crore disease-free seedlings every year.
Cooperation with Global Experts
To strengthen the Clean Plant initiative, India will seek technical collaboration with Israel and the Netherlands, both known for their agricultural innovation. This international cooperation aims to make Indian horticulture globally competitive.
Bridging the Lab-to-Land Gap
Shri Chouhan emphasized that although scientists develop excellent solutions in labs, these often fail to reach farmers on time. To solve this, the Government will now deploy 16,000 agricultural scientists across India to work directly with farmers, supporting real-time problem solving and adoption of best practices.
This “Lab to Land” model aims to:
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Boost per hectare production
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Reduce input costs
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Ensure fair prices for crops
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Provide compensation for crop losses
Empowering Youth and Startups in Agriculture
There is a growing misconception that youth are disinterested in farming, said the Minister. He encouraged young people to apply their skills and innovation to agri-startups, stating that agriculture needs climate-resilient seed varieties and smart technologies to thrive.
The Minister reaffirmed Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), noting that it can only be achieved through prosperous farmers and modernized agriculture.
Agri Hackathon Recognizes Innovation
The Agri Hackathon brought together startups, innovators, and progressive farmers, and ended with an award ceremony recognizing top innovations. Award categories included:
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Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
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Soil and Irrigation Management
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Farm Mechanization
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Pest and Disease Management
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Post-Harvest Technologies
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Agri-Economics and Market Linkages
Maharashtra CM Shri Fadnavis stressed the importance of technology in solving agriculture’s challenges amidst climate change. He called for direct implementation of innovations from the Hackathon to the farm level.
India as a Global Food Leader
Shri Chouhan concluded with a powerful vision: “Once domestic needs are met, India will export its agricultural products globally, and become the food bank of the world.”
With initiatives like Clean Plant projects, Agri Hackathons, and lab-to-land scientist programs, the Government is committed to empowering Indian farmers and transforming the agriculture sector.