Maharashtra won the Best Agriculture State Award for 2024. The announcement came from the 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee, led by Justice P Sathasivam, former Chief Justice of India and Governor of Kerala.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accepted the award on July 10, 2024, in New Delhi. He said, "I am very proud of this award and dedicate it to the farmers of Maharashtra. We achieved this because of the decisions we made since taking office. In the recent budget, we announced many benefits and new plans for farmers."

Maharashtra received the award for its creative ideas and programs in agriculture and rural areas. The award recognizes the government's effective policies and projects that have improved farming and rural life in the state.

The award praised Maharashtra's efforts to protect the environment and ensure food security. The government started the nation's largest bamboo initiative, covering 21 lakh hectares.

In the latest budget, Maharashtra planned to create a green area of 1.20 lakh acres in Nandurbar district with help from the Central and state governments. The government also aims to boost irrigation on about 17 lakh hectares through 123 projects.

The Agricultural Leadership Award, given annually by Agricultural Today magazine since 2008, honors those who show outstanding leadership in agriculture, including governments, individuals, and organizations.