Tue Feb 04 07:48:35 UTC 2025: **Centre Vows Action on Allegations of ₹5,000 Crore Corruption in Maharashtra Agriculture Department**
New Delhi, February 4, 2025 – Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured Parliament today that the government will investigate allegations of widespread corruption within Maharashtra’s agriculture department. The allegations, amounting to ₹5,000 crore, were raised by NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, who cited statements from a Maharashtra Minister and MLA.
While stating that he was hearing of the allegations for the first time and unaware of the specifics, Chouhan emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He promised a thorough inquiry and assured that action would be taken against anyone found guilty.
Separately, Chouhan provided an update on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop insurance scheme. He reported that 23 states and union territories have adopted the scheme, while efforts continue to persuade the remaining states to join. He highlighted the PMFBY as the world’s largest crop insurance program, designed to provide comprehensive risk coverage for farmers.
The Minister also noted the government’s success in boosting coconut production, increasing it from 140 lakh metric tonnes to 153 lakh metric tonnes in a short time, making India the world’s leading coconut producer. He reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to increasing farmers’ incomes.
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