THANE, 7 July 2025: Thane Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Rohan Ghuge on Saturday urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural techniques to achieve sustainable development in the sector.

Ghuge was participating in paddy sowing activities in Shahapur taluka of Thane district despite heavy rainfall. The event, held at Mouje Alyani and Gegaon villages, included demonstrations of traditional, belt, and mechanical rice cultivation methods under his guidance, an official release said.

At Alyani, the belt method of rice cultivation was showcased, while mechanical planting was demonstrated at Gegaon. Ghuge engaged with farmers, explaining the comparative costs and advantages of each approach, citing real-life examples to underline the need for adopting modern farming practices.

“Transitioning to modern techniques is crucial for sustainable agricultural growth,” Ghuge told farmers, highlighting how mechanisation can improve productivity and reduce costs.

He also encouraged cultivators to expand the area under tur cultivation in the coming seasons and advocated for the establishment of farmer producer companies (FPCs) to market rice and vegetables collectively. Such efforts, he explained, can help farmers secure better prices and higher returns.

Recognising the critical role of women in agriculture, Ghuge pledged the administration’s continued support to women’s self-help groups.

As part of the day’s activities, Ghuge also planted bamboo and mango saplings under the ‘Magra Rohayo’ scheme, promoting agroforestry and environmental sustainability.

The Zilla Parishad chief’s interaction with farmers aimed to bridge gaps in knowledge while encouraging the adoption of resilient and resource-efficient agricultural systems suitable for local conditions.

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