Maharashtra farmers reap benefits as govt sends them on world tour

“I had never been on a flight till my recent tour. The chance to see the world at a concessional rate was too tempting,” said Kadam,whose total expenses added up to Rs 1.19 lakh.

The state plans to send 1,000 farmers on these guided tours to Europe,South America,South Africa,South East Asia,Australia and New Zealand. A budgetary allocation of Rs 10 crore has been made for the scheme. The next batch is set to leave for Europe on July 22.

While a travel company is shortlisted through tenders,the state agriculture department prepares the itinerary which normally includes visits to dairy farms,orchards,fruit processing centres,vegetable farms and greenhouses.

Farmers are selected on a first-come first-serve basis through applications submitted to the regional offices. They can choose the places that they want to visit. Two officials from the agriculture department and a translator accompany them. The state is now planning to rope in experts from agriculture colleges also.

“It was a wonderful experience. We could see for ourselves what farmers in Europe are doing. The interpreters would explain things to us,” said Kadam.

“Several changes are taking place in agriculture,marketing and technology fields which can help our farmers improve production and ensure protection from weather changes. Climate change has affected farmers across the world. We thought sharing experiences with other farmers would help,” said agriculture minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil.

He added that besides learning new farming techniques,the farmers are also learning marketing strategies,local farming concepts,processing and preservation.

“There is a lot of demand for Europe as it also involves some sightseeing as well. Farmers also choose Brazil and Israel to observe the drip irrigation techniques,” said Vikhe-Patil.