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Maharashtra Aims for Global Milk Leadership with AI & Livestock Focus

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a strategic focus on livestock to strengthen the rural economy, positioning it as a safety net during crop failures. The government plans to deploy Artificial Intelligence for health monitoring and productivity enhancement to bridge the significant milk yield gap with states like Punjab. Advanced reproductive technologies and partnerships, including one with Mother Dairy, will be promoted to boost high-quality milk production. Concurrently, initiatives like zero-interest loans aim to empower rural women and youth as entrepreneurs in the animal husbandry sector.

Key Points: Maharashtra's AI Push for Livestock & Global Milk Production

  • AI for livestock monitoring & health
  • Bridging milk yield gap with Punjab
  • Promoting embryo transfer technology
  • Zero-interest loans for women entrepreneurs
2 min read

Strengthening rural economy by placing livestock at centre: CM Fadnavis

CM Fadnavis outlines tech-driven livestock plan to boost rural economy, bridge milk yield gap, and position Maharashtra as a global dairy leader.

Strengthening rural economy by placing livestock at centre: CM Fadnavis
"When crops fail, livestock becomes the backbone of farmers' income. - CM Devendra Fadnavis"

Beed, Feb 14

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that the government is placing livestock at the centre to strengthen the rural economy.

He expressed confidence that with the integration of technology, this sector will position Maharashtra as a global leader in milk production.

CM Fadnavis was speaking after visiting the three-day Maha Pashudhan Expo 2026, organised by the Animal Husbandry Department at Parli in Beed district.

The Chief Minister described the expo as a strategic initiative to mitigate climate risk in dryland farming.

"When crops fail, livestock becomes the backbone of farmers' income. Recognising not only its religious significance but also its economic value, we have accorded the cow the status of 'Rajyamata' (State Mother)," he said.

Highlighting the productivity gap, Fadnavis noted that while cows in Punjab yield 10-15 litres of milk per day, the average in Maharashtra is around 2.5 liters. To bridge this gap, the government will deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) for livestock monitoring, health management, and productivity enhancement. Advanced reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer and sex-sorted semen will be promoted to increase high-quality calf production and boost milk output. An agreement has also been signed with Mother Dairy for projects in Vidarbha and Marathwada.

Referring to trade concerns, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has safeguarded Indian agriculture in global trade negotiations.

"There is no mention of soybean or cotton imports in the India-US agreement. Farmers should not believe rumours that foreign imports will depress prices. On the contrary, Indian farmers now have access to a vast American market," he clarified.

Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde announced that the upcoming Chief Minister Rural Livestock Entrepreneur Scheme is encouraging rural youth to become business owners instead of job seekers.

"To make women 'Lakhpati Didis', the government will provide loans at zero per cent interest," she said. She also highlighted that Maharashtra is the first state in the country to grant agriculture status to animal husbandry and thanked the Chief Minister for the decision.

Meanwhile, a symbolic exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Vidarbha-Marathwada Dairy Production Project and the Livestock Development Board, Nagpur, was held.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
"Lakhpati Didi" through zero-interest loans for livestock? This is fantastic! Women do most of the cattle care anyway. Empowering them financially will transform rural households. Hope the process is simple and corruption-free.
A
Aryan P
Good intentions, but the proof is in the implementation. We've heard many schemes before. The productivity gap with Punjab is huge—2.5 litres vs 15 litres? That's shocking. AI sounds fancy, but we first need better fodder, water, and veterinary services on the ground. Start with the basics.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. The integration of AI for livestock management is a forward-thinking approach. The emphasis on climate resilience by diversifying farmer income is crucial, especially with changing weather patterns. Hope the tech is accessible and user-friendly for all farmers.
V
Vikram M
Calling the cow 'Rajyamata' and then talking about embryo transfer and sex-sorted semen? There's a contradiction here. The traditional sentiment is good, but we must be careful that these advanced technologies don't undermine the indigenous breeds and practices that are suited to our climate.
K
Kriti O
As someone from Marathwada, this news brings hope. This region needs such projects desperately. The tie-up with Mother Dairy can ensure a stable market. My only request: please ensure the procurement prices are fair. The farmer should get the major share of the profit, not the middlemen.

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