Well-known agriculture expert and former member of Planning Commission Jayant Patil died today due to old age related ailments, family members said.
He was 88 and is survived by wife Meena, two sons and a daughter. Patil was not keeping well for quite some time and passed away this evening at his residence here, they said.
His funeral will be held tomorrow at 10 AM at his hometown Bordi in adjoining Palghar district.
A staunch Congressman, he was a member of the Central planning body (now disbanded) from August 1991 to July 1996 when P V Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister.
Patil looked after agriculture, rural development, irrigation, panchayati raj and cooperation during his stint in the commission.
Patil, who has written books on farm practices, was also instrumental in spreading agricultural and co-operative movement and water conservation methodology in the state.
He carried out research on various products like chikoo and lichi at an agricultural research centre here.
