MUMBAI, 22 April 2025: In a strategic move to support horticulture farmers and enhance their incomes, Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. (RCF) has joined hands with the Maharashtra State Mango Growers Association to address key agricultural challenges, including market exploitation and climate-related crop losses.
At a farmers’ conference held in Parhur, Taluka Alibag, Raigad district, RCF Executive Director Mr. Nitin Hirde reaffirmed the company’s commitment to rural development. Serving as the Chief Guest, Hirde outlined RCF’s farmer-first approach and proposed targeted technical workshops at the RCF complex to help farmers improve resilience, productivity, and profitability.
“RCF is not just a fertilizer manufacturer—it is a partner in empowering India’s farmers,” said Hirde. He also shared best practices in sustainable farming and highlighted ongoing farmer-centric schemes driven by the organization.
The conference, presided over by Mr. Chandrakant Mokal, President of the Maharashtra State Mango Growers Association, shed light on the steep production decline—between 30% to 40%—in key horticultural crops such as mangoes, cashews, and vegetables. Mokal attributed the losses to erratic climate patterns and global warming, urging collaborative research with agricultural universities and ICAR to develop climate-resilient solutions.
Mokal also raised concerns over the APMC market system, pointing to the exploitation of farmers by middlemen. He pushed for a shift to a ‘producer-to-consumer’ model, which would enable farmers to sell directly to buyers, thereby increasing profit margins and market access.
The event witnessed robust participation from horticulture farmers across the region and featured insights from several agricultural experts and policymakers. These included Pawankumar Nazan, Agriculture Development Officer, Raigad Zilla Parishad; Kailas Wankhade, Sub-Divisional Officer, Raigad District Agriculture Office; Dr. Rakesh Kawale, Chief PRO, RCF; Prof. Vaishali Samant, Scientist at Karjat Agriculture Research Centre; Dr. L.S. Chavhan, former Director of the Karjat Centre; and Mr. Naganath Gharat, former Agriculture Officer, Mangaon Taluka.
Discussions spanned key issues such as soil health and testing, spice cultivation, climate adaptation, water conservation, and unlocking export potential for horticulture crops.
The conference concluded with a unified call for practical, technology-driven solutions and policy reforms to help farmers thrive despite the twin pressures of climate volatility and market inefficiencies.
Image credit: horizons.tatatrusts.org
