Maharashtra Minister Directs Timely Completion of Solapur SMART Project

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane has instructed officials to complete all sub-projects under the Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (SMART) Project in Solapur district within the stipulated timeframe.

The minister issued these directions while chairing an online review meeting of the SMART Project in Solapur district on July 14, 2026. The meeting was attended by MLA Uttamrao Jankar, SMART Project Director Pradeep Chandran, and representatives of 25 community-based organisations (CBOs) participating in the project.

Bharane emphasized the need for close monitoring of the progress of all works and ensuring that there are no delays in pending construction, installation of machinery, audits, subsidy disbursement, and statutory approvals. He asked all concerned departments to work in coordination to resolve the challenges faced by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and complete the projects on schedule.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the status of various sub-projects, pending works, audit processes, subsidy distribution, and the roadmap for timely completion. Project Director Pradeep Chandran informed the meeting that final approval has been granted to 25 sub-projects undertaken by community-based organisations in Solapur district.

The projects have a total approved cost of Rs 64.10 crore, with government assistance of Rs 38.42 crore. The first instalment of subsidy has been released to all 25 organisations, while 14 have received the second instalment and four have received the third. So far, subsidies worth Rs 26.36 crore have been disbursed, of which Rs 20.82 crore has been utilised.

Works worth Rs 41.93 crore, including government subsidy, beneficiary contribution, and institutional loans, have already been completed. Chandran said the government is extending all necessary support to ensure the projects are completed on time.

The minister also announced that the next review meeting will be held on July 30 to assess progress. Bharane's directive is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the SMART Project reach the farmers and rural communities in Solapur district in a timely manner.

The SMART Project is a key initiative of the Maharashtra government aimed at transforming rural areas through agribusiness and infrastructure development. The project has the potential to improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities in Solapur district and contribute to the state's agricultural growth.

The timely completion of the SMART Project is crucial for the development of Solapur district and the state's agricultural sector. The project's success will depend on the effective implementation and coordination among various departments and stakeholders.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra Agriculture Minister's directive to complete the Solapur SMART Project within the deadline is a significant step towards ensuring the project's success and benefiting the farmers and rural communities in the district.

The project's progress will be closely watched, and the next review meeting on July 30 will provide an update on the status of the sub-projects. The government's support and coordination among departments will be crucial in ensuring the project's timely completion and success.

The SMART Project is an important initiative for the development of rural Maharashtra, and its success will have a positive impact on the state's agricultural growth and rural development.