Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Revised Agriculture Department Structure After 17 Years; 23,476 Posts Sanctioned

Mumbai, August 11, 2026 - The Maharashtra Cabinet recently approved a revised structure for the Agriculture Department, 17 years after its last overhaul. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane announced the sanctioning of 23,476 regular posts, signaling a push towards a more technology-driven and farmer-focused department. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane explained that these changes aim to streamline administrative processes and enhance services and guidance for farmers.

Among the 23,476 sanctioned posts, 2,668 are new positions, while obsolete roles have been abolished, resulting in an estimated annual savings of Rs 92.60 crore. The government has also established a new Directorate for Agricultural Mechanisation, Asset Management and AgriStack, with 63 sanctioned positions, to expedite AgriStack-related work.

Additionally, a Directorate of Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture has been approved, with 35 posts, to address the challenges posed by climate change and promote sustainable farming practices. Various initiatives, such as increasing the Group-A status and S-19 pay scale for Taluka Agriculture Officers and technical officers, are being taken to bolster the department's capacity and efficiency.

Minister Bharane emphasized that these changes will make the Agriculture Department more dynamic, modern, and responsive to the needs of farmers, urging officers and employees to commit to the cause of ensuring effective and transparent implementation of government schemes.