The Bombay High Court today asked the Maharashtra government to formulate a "rural-friendly" policy to encourage rural youth to participate in farming so that migration to urban areas can be curbed.
A division bench of justices N H Patil and S B Shukre had taken suo moto cognisance of the increasing number of farmer suicides in the state.
"It is high time the administration works for the cause of the farmers and the state government looks into their issues seriously. Farming should be considered as an activity of pride in the state," the court said.
"The state government should come up with a rural-friendly policy by which the rural youth are encouraged to take up farming instead of migrating to urban areas in search of employment," the court said.
It also noted that the government has to come out with a disaster policy for farmers in case there is scanty or no rains.
The court also suggested to the state to consider having group insurance for farmers and provide advice through the horticulture department regarding the pattern of crops.
The bench asked government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani to prepare a report including the suggestions made by the court and present it to the government.
The court has posted the petition for further hearing next week.
