Mumbai, May 2 (Agencies): Terming the recent suicides of farmers as a “shame” for Maharashtra, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis called for people’s participation to help the state government achieve sustainable farming. He was speaking on the occasion of Maharashtra Day. 

“Since the new government has assumed power in the state, a number of decisions have been taken for the welfare of the people. These decisions are bound to help the state achieve new heights. But we need the help of people to achieve our goals,” Mr Fadnavis said. 

Mr Fadnavis also expressed concern over the worsening situation of farmers due to drought, hailstorm and unseasonal rain across the state. “The prevailing agrarian crisis and farmers suicides due to crop failure are a matter of shame for the state. To change the current situation, sustainable farming is the need of the hour,” he said. 

He said the government has initiated the Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan (integrated water conservation and management initiative) under which it aims to make 6,000 villages drought-free in the first phase, and subsequently, 5,000 villages every year. 

Mr Fadnavis also focused on maintaining law and order situation, conviction rate, Make in Maharashtra mission and fulfillment of the assurance of a toll-free state given during the Assembly poll campaign. 

“Maintaining law and order is of utmost necessity. The government is trying to improve the conviction rate. We have succeeded in improving the conviction rate from 28 to 38 per cent in six months,” he said. 

Mr Fadnavis said that 53 per cent of the state’s population was below 25 years of age and to provide them employment opportunities, the government had given priority to the ‘Make in Maharashtra’ initiative. “The state government is moving towards becoming a toll-free state. Light vehicles are exempted from paying toll at certain booths,” he said. Mr Fadnavis said that the Right to Services Act would ensure better delivery of services.