Mumbai: In a landmark move, the Maharashtra State Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for the agriculture sector. The policy aims to revolutionize farming practices across the state by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT, drones, robotics, and predictive analytics.
During the crucial Cabinet meeting, several other important decisions were also taken, ranging from infrastructure development to social welfare and education reforms.
Highlights of the Cabinet Decisions:
AI Policy for Agriculture (2025–2029):
The newly approved MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029 will drive the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in agriculture. The initiative will support state-led projects such as AgriStack, Maha-Agritech, Mahavedh, CropSAP, Agmarknet, Digital Farming Schools, and Maha-DBT, ultimately benefiting farmers with improved data-driven insights and automation.
Support for Emergency-era Prisoners:
The Cabinet has doubled the honorarium for individuals imprisoned during the Emergency period. Additionally, living spouses of the imprisoned will also receive financial support under the revised Gaurav Yojana.
Stamp Duty Waiver for Dharavi Redevelopment:
A major boost was given to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project by waiving the stamp duty on lease agreements involving the project’s Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and other participating agencies. The decision is expected to fast-track rehabilitation and redevelopment efforts in the area.
Land for Tribal Industrial Cluster:
The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) will receive 29.52 hectares of land in Mouje Jambutke, Nashik district, to develop a tribal industrial cluster. The project is expected to generate employment and promote entrepreneurship among tribal communities. (Revenue Department)
Stamp Duty Relief for Public-Private Growth Centre:
Stamp duty concession has been granted for land required for a joint project between MMRDA and M/s Raigad Pen Growth Centre Ltd. This public-private partnership model is expected to attract significant foreign investment. (Revenue Department)
Maharashtra National Law University Expansion:
To facilitate infrastructure development for Maharashtra National Law University in Mumbai, the state has waived stamp duty on the transfer of land located at Mouje Pahadi, Goregaon. This will provide a self-owned campus benefiting thousands of law students. (Revenue Department)
WINDS Project Extension:
Under the Central Government’s WINDS (Weather Information Network Data System) initiative, automatic weather stations will be installed at the village panchayat level. The Mahavedh project has been granted an extension, aiming to offer accurate weather-based agricultural advice to farmers. (Agriculture Department)
Extension for Mumbai Metro Project Loans:
Loan repayment extensions have been approved for the Mumbai Metro routes 2A, 2B, and 7, supported by the Asian Development Bank and New Development Bank. (Urban Development Department)
Greenlight for Virar-Alibaug Corridor:
The ambitious Virar-Alibaug multi-purpose corridor project has been approved under the “Build, Operate and Transfer” (BOT) model, aiming to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity. (Public Works Department)
NRI Admission Reforms:
Changes to the 2015 regulation act will now allow children of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to gain admission to professional courses in unaided private institutions. The updated definition broadens access to higher education for NRI families. (Higher and Technical Education Department)
These Cabinet decisions reflect the Maharashtra government’s commitment to technological progress, inclusive development, and welfare-driven governance.
