Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured the Maharashtra Government full federal support in its endeavor to develop a cotton plucking machine He also directed the Agriculture Ministry's mechanization division to launch a similar initiative, underscoring the government's dedication to advancing farm mechanization.

Speaking during the launch of the Centre’s ‘One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team’ program, an effort to improve coordination among agricultural stakeholders, Chauhan emphasized the machine would help revolutionize cotton harvesting in India, where the process is still very labor-intensive.

Manikrao Kokate, Agriculture Minister, Maharashtra emphasized, labor shortages are a significant hurdle for the sector, reinforcing the urgent need for mechanization. Chouhan agreed, advocating for a broader push toward farm mechanization to boost productivity and ease the burden on farmers.

Beyond mechanization, the minister underscored the vital role of soil health in shaping sustainable cropping patterns. He urged farmers to adopt practices that boost soil fertility, including crop diversification, which can help maintain long-term land productivity.

Chouhan also recommended a balanced approach to natural farming, advising farmers to start small and gradually expand rather than attempting an immediate, full-scale transition. He noted that when done correctly, natural farming doesn't necessarily reduce input levels, but warned that some farmers' improper practices have led to less-than-ideal results.

The ‘One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team’ initiative aims to foster seamless collaboration among government bodies, agricultural scientists, input suppliers, and farmers to collectively tackle the sector's challenges and enhance overall productivity.