Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday outlined an “Integrated Village Development Model” aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure and improving farm productivity during a Kharif season review meeting in Thane.
Chaired by Shinde in his capacity as Guardian Minister of the district, the meeting focused on aligning agriculture, water conservation, healthcare and housing under a single development framework.
Integrated Approach to Rural Development
The proposed model seeks to move beyond conventional agriculture planning by incorporating climate-based strategies, improved healthcare access and housing regularisation. Officials were directed to ensure coordinated implementation across departments to accelerate rural development.
Shinde emphasised the need for reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers and encouraged farmers to adopt organic and natural farming methods. He called for increased use of manure and bio-inputs to restore soil fertility, which has been impacted by excessive chemical use in recent years.
Push for Water Conservation, 100 Lakes to be Desilted
A key focus of the meeting was water management, with a target set to desilt 100 lakes across the district. The administration has been instructed to scale up the “Silt-Free Dam, Silt-Rich Farms” initiative to enhance water storage capacity.
The plan includes deepening and widening of water bodies, along with strengthening check dams. Authorities have also been asked to mobilise resources, including machinery and external support, to expedite the work.
Social organisations and industry bodies such as the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI) are expected to contribute through partnerships and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Crop Diversification and Mechanisation in Focus
Addressing labour shortages in paddy cultivation, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for farm mechanisation and modern equipment to improve efficiency.
To increase farmer incomes, the administration is promoting crop diversification. Yam cultivation has been introduced among selected farmers, while black pepper is being encouraged as an additional income source. Priority is also being given to crops such as jackfruit, gerbera and other high-value produce.
Efforts are underway to improve the production of export-quality vegetables and promote bamboo cultivation with value addition.
Climate Concerns and Preparedness
Officials highlighted that while the India Meteorological Department has forecast near-normal rainfall this year, the potential impact of El Niño remains a concern.
In response, district authorities have been directed to prioritise water planning, conservation and farmer awareness to mitigate any adverse impact on crop output.
Healthcare and Housing Measures Included
The development model also incorporates healthcare initiatives under the “My Village – Healthy Village” campaign. Measures include vaccination drives for disease prevention, along with the deployment of mobile clinics and diagnostic services.
On the housing front, the government has decided to regularise residential units between 500 and 1,500 square feet. Houses up to 500 square feet will be regularised without any fee, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on residents.
Officials, Legislators Attend Meeting
The meeting was attended by legislators and senior district officials, including MLAs Kisan Kathore, Niranjan Davkhare, Rajesh More and Shantaram More, along with administrative officers and representatives from the agriculture sector.
Shinde said the integrated model is expected to provide tangible benefits to farmers and rural communities in the upcoming Kharif season, particularly through improved water availability, better crop planning and enhanced support systems.
