Agriculture Department

The Agriculture Department of the Zilla Parishad in Raigad plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural development and supporting farmers in the district’s rural areas. Here are its brief functions:

Promoting Modern Farming Practices: The department encourages farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies, improved farming methods, and best practices to enhance productivity and sustainability. This includes educating them on new crop varieties, efficient water use, and integrated pest management.

Implementation of Agricultural Schemes: It is the key implementing agency for various government schemes, both state and centrally sponsored, aimed at agricultural development. These schemes often provide subsidies, financial assistance, and inputs to farmers for activities like:

Seed Distribution: Providing access to improved and high-quality seeds.

Fertilizer and Pesticide Management: Ensuring the availability and quality control of fertilizers and pesticides.

Farm Mechanization: Encouraging the use of modern farm equipment and machinery.

Irrigation Support: Promoting and assisting in the installation of irrigation facilities like borewells, pumps, and micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler).

Soil and Water Conservation: The department undertakes various initiatives for soil health management and water conservation, including watershed development programs, bunding, and promoting rainwater harvesting.

Farmer Training and Awareness: It organizes training programs, workshops, and demonstrations for farmers on a wide range of topics, including crop cultivation techniques, post-harvest management, organic farming, and market linkages. The aim is to empower farmers with knowledge and skills.

Crop Protection: The department provides guidance and support for crop protection measures, including pest and disease management, and advises farmers on the use of appropriate pesticides.

Quality Control: It plays a role in the quality control of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring that farmers receive genuine and effective products.

Data Collection and Monitoring: The department collects agricultural data, such as cropping patterns, area under cultivation for various crops (e.g., cotton, soybean, tur, jowar, which are major crops in Raigad ), and rainfall data, to monitor agricultural trends and plan interventions.

Disaster Management Support: In times of agricultural distress due to natural calamities like droughts or floods (which are unfortunately common in Raigad ), the department assists in assessing crop losses, implementing relief measures, and providing support to affected farmers.