"A desert, Israel has been the ideal example for farming on per drop more crop concept. We are going to adopt that concept in Marathwada," said Pankaja Munde.
Mumbai:
This has been the worst year for the farmers in Maharashtra's Marathwada region - where 1,109 farmers have committed suicide over the last 12 months.
In December, 112 farmers committed suicide. Over the year, Beed district fared the worst, with 299 suicides. Nanded reported the second highest figure -- 187.
The state's rural development minister Pankaja Munde, who called 2015 the "worst year in a decade" for Marathwada in terms of rainfall, said the government was considering the adoption of a method of irrigation that has been paying rich dividends in Israel.
"A desert, Israel has been the ideal example for farming on per drop more crop concept. So, we are going to adopt that concept in Marathwada," said Ms Munde. The whole pattern of crops, the whole pattern of irrigation has to change in Marathwada and Vidharbha totally, she said.
"We are working on "Jalyuktashivar" under which we are doing water conservation. The next step would be using this water in a particular way like drip irrigation," added Ms Munde, who also handles the water conservation portfolio.
The Congress has attacked the state government for not doing enough.
"Every time we come up with different ideas and different statements from various ministers," said Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant. "Now there is one more idea that has come from a very high profile minister. She talks about Israel pattern, saying that would be the solution though her own district is reporting the highest number of suicides."
Taking a dig at the ruling BJP, Mr Sawant said the official demand for Rs 4000 crore as a relief package has been refused by the central government. "I really believe they do not have any say in the central government, although the BJP is in power at Centre as well," he said.
Reacting to the Congress jibe, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted:
In December, 112 farmers committed suicide. Over the year, Beed district fared the worst, with 299 suicides. Nanded reported the second highest figure -- 187.
The state's rural development minister Pankaja Munde, who called 2015 the "worst year in a decade" for Marathwada in terms of rainfall, said the government was considering the adoption of a method of irrigation that has been paying rich dividends in Israel.
"A desert, Israel has been the ideal example for farming on per drop more crop concept. So, we are going to adopt that concept in Marathwada," said Ms Munde. The whole pattern of crops, the whole pattern of irrigation has to change in Marathwada and Vidharbha totally, she said.
"We are working on "Jalyuktashivar" under which we are doing water conservation. The next step would be using this water in a particular way like drip irrigation," added Ms Munde, who also handles the water conservation portfolio.
The Congress has attacked the state government for not doing enough.
"Every time we come up with different ideas and different statements from various ministers," said Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant. "Now there is one more idea that has come from a very high profile minister. She talks about Israel pattern, saying that would be the solution though her own district is reporting the highest number of suicides."
Taking a dig at the ruling BJP, Mr Sawant said the official demand for Rs 4000 crore as a relief package has been refused by the central government. "I really believe they do not have any say in the central government, although the BJP is in power at Centre as well," he said.
Reacting to the Congress jibe, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted:
Grateful to Government of India and Hon'ble @BJPRajnathSingh ji for approving 3049 crore assistance towards Maharashtra drought relief.
- Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 29, 2015There can't be a more befitting reply to those who've been doing only politics on drought instead of uniting for farmers in time of distress
- Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 29, 2015Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
