Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attended the Indapur Agriculture Festival on Sunday (January 26) and actively participated in various events. Notably, Pawar took a symbolic ride in a horse cart driven by Appasaheb Jagdale, director of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank (PDCC).

Appasaheb Jagdale had earlier shifted his allegiance from Sharad Pawar’s faction to Ajit Pawar’s NCP, contributing to the electoral victory of Datta Bharne in the recent Assembly elections.

At the festival’s prize distribution ceremony, Pawar emphasized the need for farmers to adopt a scientific and research-oriented approach to agriculture.

“Farmers must think like scientists and act as researchers to achieve sustainable progress in agriculture,” he said. Pawar presented awards to the owners of prize-winning livestock and recognized students from a Zilla Parishad school for their excellent cultural performance.

The festival featured an impressive agricultural exhibition, livestock showcase, horse market, and a dog show, all organized by the Indapur Agricultural Produce Market Committee.

Pawar lauded the committee for its efforts to introduce farmers to modern technologies and high-quality breeds. He assured the committee of financial support to build a farmer’s hostel, further encouraging their initiatives.

Discussing broader agricultural issues, Pawar underlined the immense potential for development in India’s agrarian economy. “Sustainable and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector can create numerous opportunities,” he remarked.

He pointed out challenges such as global climate change, rising input costs, and fragmented land holdings, which have adversely affected farmers’ productivity and incomes.

Addressing these challenges, Pawar promised substantial support for farmers in the upcoming state budget. “The government will try to provide maximum assistance to farmers, but it’s essential to ensure that this support is not misused,” he cautioned.