Pune Collector Pushes for Expansion of Oilseeds, Fruits Cultivation; Emphasizes Export and Processing Facilities
Pune, 21st March 2025: In a major push for agricultural growth and exports, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi (IAS) has directed the Agriculture Department to formulate a comprehensive plan to increase the cultivation area of bananas, figs, mangoes, strawberries, and oilseed crops like sunflowers and safflowers. He emphasized integrating value addition, food processing, and export facilitation to enhance production and market reach.
At a review meeting held on Thursday at Agricultural College, Shivajinagar, Dudi assured that funds would be allocated from the District Planning Committee and various government schemes to support farmers. Key officials present included District Superintendent Agricultural Officer Sanjay Kachole, ATMA Project Director Suraj Madke, Agricultural College Associate Dean Dr. Mahanand Mane, Pune District Central Cooperative Bank Chairman Prof. Digambar Durgade, and Deputy Director of Agriculture S.S. Vishwasrao, along with representatives from farmer producer companies, agricultural export firms, and progressive farmers.
Expansion Targets & Farmer Training Initiatives
The banana cultivation area, currently at 1,600 hectares, will be expanded to 3,000 hectares next year, with a focus on increasing per-hectare productivity.
Farmers interested in banana, fig, and mango cultivation will receive training on quality seedlings, water management, soil health, bio-fertilizers, crop mechanization, and post-harvest processing.
From April 7, Krishi Vigyan Kendras will conduct two-day crop-wise training programs, where selected farmers will later train others as master trainers.
Farmer producer companies will be central to these efforts, with agricultural assistants working alongside them to identify and onboard new farmers.
Financial Support & Export Facilitation
Funds from the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme will support farm ponds and quality seedlings for various crops.
Export demand, quality standards, and value addition will be prioritized, with refrigeration, pack houses, and transport facilities being made available through:
Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (SMART)
Central Government’s Agricultural Infrastructure Fund
Prime Minister’s Micro Food Processing Enterprise Formalization Scheme
Additional financial assistance will be secured from the District Planning Committee if needed.
Market Assurance & Farmer Confidence
A structured plan will be developed to sell exportable produce in local markets, malls, and corporate chains to ensure a stable income for farmers.
Farmers will be encouraged to cultivate these crops with a guaranteed market price and assured buyers.
Collector Jitendra Dudi urged farmer producer companies, exporters, and agricultural institutions to actively submit proposals for necessary facilities.
