Farmers To Get State-Funded Foreign Study Tours In 2025-26
Applications Open Until July 31 For Visits To 11 Countries To Learn Modern Agricultural Techniques
In a major initiative to upgrade agricultural practices in Maharashtra, the state government will sponsor international study tours for selected farmers under its 2025-26 farmer exposure program. The scheme goes beyond increasing crop production and emphasizes quality enhancement and adoption of global farming technologies.
Farmers will visit countries like the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, China, and South Korea, where they will interact with local farmers and scientists, visit research institutions, and observe successful models of agricultural innovation.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be practicing farmers with valid 7/12 and 8A land documents in their name (updated within the last 6 months)
- Must have Farmer ID under Agristack
- Only one member per family (husband/wife or children under 18) can apply, with ration card proof
- Must be physically fit with a valid MBBS doctor’s certificate
- Must possess a valid passport (at least 3 months’ validity at the time of travel)
- Age must be 25 years or above on the date of travel
- Professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, contractors, or anyone employed in government or private sectors are not eligible
- Applicants must not have previously availed government-sponsored foreign tours
Financial Assistance:
Selected farmers will receive 50% subsidy, up to a maximum of ₹1 lakh, after successful completion of the tour. However, they are required to pre-pay 100% of the cost upfront to the designated travel agency. Post-tour, upon submission of documentation, the subsidy will be reimbursed via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
According to District Superintendent Agriculture Officer Rameshwar Pache, Thane district has been allotted 5 farmer slots:
- 1 woman farmer
- 1 award-winning or competition-winning farmer
- 3 general category farmers
In case of excess applications, selection will be conducted via lottery, followed by seniority-based ranking by a district-level committee.
Applications must be submitted in person at the respective Taluka Agriculture Officer’s office by July 31, 2025, as the final selection deadline is August 5, 2025.