The Maharashtra government has equipped farmers with global agricultural insights and to enhance farming practices across the state, they approved a ₹2 crore budget for overseas study tours in 2025–26. The initiative, aimed at exposing farmers to modern technologies, global market trends, and sustainable practices, continues a long-standing scheme that began in 2004–05.
The official government resolution (GR) stated that administrative approval has been granted for the implementation of the ‘study tours of farmers abroad’ scheme. The agricultural commissioner will issue specific guidelines to facilitate the tours as per government norms. According to officials from the agriculture department, the initiative is designed to familiarise farmers with cutting-edge technologies used in advanced agricultural economies.
These include mechanised farming, export-oriented cultivation, agro-processing techniques, and real-time market demand insights. Participants will also benefit from direct interaction with international farmers and visits to institutions that specialise in agri-innovation, thus expanding their technical know-how and exposure to best practices. The countries to be visited and the final itinerary will be finalised shortly, the officials confirmed.
In the previous fiscal year, the state allocated ₹1.4 crore for the overseas tour of 120 farmers and six officials. The tours provided hands-on exposure to agriculture innovations in countries like Taiwan, where farmers explored advanced irrigation, crop diversification, and supply chain models. However, the scheme has not been without criticism. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar raised concerns last year over what he termed the “meagre” funds allocated for farmers compared to high-cost foreign visits by government officials.
He pointed out the disproportionate allocation—₹1.88 crore for a three-day trip by five officials to Taiwan versus ₹1.4 crore for 120 farmers. Despite the political heat, the farmer study tour scheme continues to gain traction for its educational value. Agricultural experts argue that such exposure helps bridge the knowledge gap between traditional farming practices and modern agri-business models.
With rising climate risks, market fluctuations, and technological changes, empowering farmers through global exposure is increasingly seen as essential for ensuring long-term agricultural resilience and competitiveness. As the country pushes toward self-sufficiency in food production and enhanced agri-export potential, Maharashtra’s decision reflects a broader shift in state-level policy to invest in farmer capacity building.
