Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today inaugurated a dedicated Hedging Desk in Pune under the Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project. The desk will initially focus on cotton, turmeric, and maize crops, and the initiative will be expanded to include more crops. With the support of the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange and its research wing, NICR, this initiative aims to help farmers avoid losses due to market price fluctuations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Fadnavis said this marks a major step in modernising the agriculture sector and ensuring price security for farmers. The project will prioritise key agricultural regions, including Yavatmal, Sangli, Akola, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the state.