Mumbai, May 1: On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the people of the state on Friday. He shared his vision for rapid industrial development while also warning the agricultural sector about the upcoming monsoon. Citing the weather department’s forecast, he advised that due to the El Niño effect, the state may experience below-average rainfall in 2026.
He stated, “Our Kharif season is entirely dependent on rainfall. I urge farmers to take these forecasts seriously. Do not rush into sowing. Wait a little and follow the special instructions issued by the agriculture department to protect crops from damage.”
To mitigate the potential impact of drought, the Chief Minister assured that the government has already initiated plans for water and fodder management. He announced priority funding for schemes like ‘Jalyukt Shivar’ and ‘Galyukt Shivar’, as well as for micro-irrigation and resource supply.
He added, “The government will expedite water conservation and silt removal projects. The use of drip and sprinkler irrigation will be promoted, and it will be ensured that there is no shortage of seeds and fertilizers across the state.”
Additionally, CM Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s leading position in infrastructure, mentioning that 173 kilometers of metro lines are currently operational in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. He promised an annual expansion of 50 kilometers to the metro network.
He remarked, “Maharashtra Day is not just a day of celebration but also a day of introspection. We need to see where we were, where we are now, and how far we need to go.”
He emphasized that Maharashtra contributes nearly 14 percent to India’s GDP and remains the most preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In 2024-25, the state received an investment of ₹1,64,875 crores, accounting for about 39 percent of India’s total FDI.
He also referenced the state’s success at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where MoUs worth ₹30 lakh crores were signed, aimed at creating 40 lakh jobs. He stated, “Despite global economic instability, Maharashtra has made significant progress towards becoming the 30th largest economy in the world.”
Looking ahead, CM Fadnavis reiterated the state’s commitment to the ‘Developed Maharashtra’ roadmap, setting a target for Maharashtra to become a $5 trillion economy by 2047, in line with the national vision.
Despite global conflicts and energy crises, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in the fields of solar energy and fuel security for keeping India stable during these challenging times.
He concluded, “No matter what natural disasters may occur, the pace of Maharashtra’s development will not be halted.” He reassured citizens that the state government stands firmly with them.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
