19.02.2026 : Maharashtra Governor calls upon climate experts to include agriculture and rural economy in climate consultations
Maharashtra Governor calls upon climate experts to include agriculture and rural economy in climate consultations
Mumbai, Feb. 19: Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat today emphasised that the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers has caused extensive damage not only to agriculture but also to the environment. Stating that chemical farming has rendered large tracts of land barren and contributed to the contamination of food grains, water and air, he called for greater promotion of natural farming to safeguard the planet for future generations.
The Governor urged climate experts to give due consideration to agriculture and the rural economy while deliberating on climate change and environmental protection. He was addressing the valedictory session of the three-day “Mumbai Climate Week” held at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai on Thursday (19 February).
Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology Ashish Shelar, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Pankaja Munde, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Principal Secretary (Environment) Jayashree Bhoj, Secretary to the Governor Dr Prashant Narnaware, Joint Secretary S. Ramamoorthy, ‘Project Mumbai’ founder Shishir Joshi, Board member of Project Mumbai Jalaj Dani, along with environmental researchers, experts and industry representatives were present on the occasion.
Congratulating ‘Project Mumbai’ and partner organisations for bringing together experts from India and abroad to deliberate on the pressing issue of climate change, the Governor observed that Indian culture traditionally reveres nature and instils respect for the environment from childhood. He noted that growing consumerism has contributed significantly to environmental degradation.
Referring to the COVID-19 lockdown period, the Governor remarked that reduced human activity led to cleaner rivers and clearer skies, underscoring the impact of human intervention on environmental damage.
Citing media reports indicating the presence of pesticide residues in mothers’ milk, he stressed the urgent need to promote natural farming practices. Natural farming, he said, supports earthworms and microorganisms, enhances soil fertility, increases organic carbon content and improves groundwater recharge. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged natural farming through the National Natural Farming Mission.
Concrete action needed for environmental protection – Minister Pankaja Munde
Calling for strong action to protect the environment, Minister Pankaja Munde stated that development and infrastructure were prioritised in the past while environmental concerns were often overlooked, the consequences of which are now being felt globally.
She emphasised that environmental challenges are global in nature and require a coordinated international approach. Soil, water and air – the three fundamental components of the environment – are under increasing stress due to industrialisation and expanding infrastructure.
She expressed hope that discussions at environmental forums would translate into effective implementation and welcomed Mumbai Climate Week as a valuable platform for global exchange of ideas.
Collective efforts essential for climate resilience – Mayor Ritu Tawde
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said that urban development, growth and climate responsibility must progress in tandem rather than in isolation. Climate resilience, she noted, cannot be achieved by governments alone and requires collaboration among public institutions, private industry, financial partners, research organisations and citizens. Strong public-private partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, technological cooperation and positive behavioural change among citizens are essential to achieving climate resilience.
The Governor presented the MCW Innovation Challenge awards to ENLOG, Temperature Technologies Pvt Ltd, Fitsol Supply Chain Solution, Indra Water, BAMBREW, TORUS MOTION. He also presented Youth Green Innovator Challenge awards to Envirowealth and Decentralised BIOCHAR.