Aim is to create one crore 'Lakhpati Didis', says Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said his government will focus on the Lakhpati Didi scheme to ensure the creation of one crore beneficiaries reported news agency PTIThe scheme was launched by the Union government in 2023 and recognises women members of SHGs who have an annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh from agriculture animal husbandry and small industries as Lakhpati DidisThe state government will focus on women empowerment through the Lakhpati Didi scheme We aim to create one crore women beneficiaries with annual income of Rs 1 lakh This will ensure financial independence for women and foster a circular economy Over 23 lakh women have benefitted so far with plans to add another 24 lakh this year he said reported PTIThe target is to have one crore women beneficiaries earning Rs 8000 Rs 10000 monthly creating a robust network of selfreliance the CM addedIncidentally on Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Navsari in Gujarat where he spoke on the success of the scheme and exuded confidence that the target of five crore beneficiaries nationwide would be achieved in the time to come reported PTISpeaking to reporters after the state budget was presented in the assembly the CM also underscored the role of Artificial Intelligence AI in agricultureAI can revolutionize farming from soil testing to flowering stages It can reduce costs and improve productivity We have introduced schemes to facilitate this transformation Fadnavis said reported PTIThe Maharashtra government is exploring AI integration in agriculture to address challenges such as climate change unpredictable rainfall crop diseases and labour shortages he said adding that AIpowered tools can analyse crop health monitor soil conditions detect pests and optimise farm management practicesResponding to a query on the state governments flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana Fadnavis said some beneficiaries have come together to form a credit society in Nagpur with a seed capital of Rs 30 lakhWe are preparing such a network of societies at state and district levels Ladki Bahin Yojana beneficiaries can invest the financial aid in gainful ventures which can create a circular economy he said reported PTIThe Maharashtra government on Monday allocated Rs 36000 crore for the Ladki Bahin scheme but did not announce a hike in the allowanceWith inputs from PTI