Nashik: Leader of Opposition in state assembly and senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil on Thursday attacked the BJP government for its alleged failure in implementing the loan waiver scheme for farmers.Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of one of the biggest agricultural expo 'Krishithon: 2017' in the city, Vikhe-Patil said the state government had claimed that farm loan waiver was a historic decision."They also put up hoardings about the historic loan waiver. But in reality the government is still finding out beneficiaries for the scheme. It is complete failure of the government," he said.Commenting on farmers staging demonstrations to meet their demands, Vikhe-Patil advised farmers not to resort to demonstrations. "Instead, you should make efforts on how can you get better price for your produce," he said.The Congress leader also praised agri companies, involving farmers, for marketing their produce and fetching better rates.Stating that agricultural expo like 'Krishithon: 2017' helps in guiding farmers on various technologies and innovations in the agricultural sector, Vikhe-Patil expressed the need to work on effects on crops due to changing weather. "This will be the important factor for agriculture sector in future," he said.Deputy chairman of the state legislative council Manikrao Thakre, in his speech, praised farmers from Nashik for their research and innovation in agricultural sector. "Maximum suicides of farmers in the state are from cotton and soybean belt. Just like grapes, there is need of innovations and research in this sector," said Thakre."Nashik district has been doing well in grape exports. Around 90% of country's grape export comes from the district alone. Now, we are focusing on increasing the export of vegetables from the district," said joint director of agriculture (Nashik division) Dilip Zende.Around 300 agricultural companies have put up their stalls at the five-day exhibition held at Thakkar's Dome from Nov 23 to 27.A total of 33 young farmers from across the state, who made various experiments and research to make farming profitable, were felicitated at the inaugural programme in order to encourage youths to take up farming instead of seeking jobs.

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