Amitabh Bachchan to promote Maharashtra’s orchards

Mumbai: After tourism in Gujarat, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan will promote fruits and vegetables in Maharashtra.

Bachchan tweeted, “a meet with the Minister to promote horticulture in Maharashtra .. best mangoes, pomegranate, cheeku, grapes, onion, tomatoes et al.”

Around two million hectares are under fruit orchards in Maharashtra—the largest such area in the country.

Jitendra Awhad, minister for medical education and horticultural development, said, “I had talk with Amitabhji on Thursday and he agreed to be brand ambassador for Maharashtra’s horticulture and I am grateful for that.”

“We will work out modalities on how to use Amitabhji’s services in few days and make a formal announcement,” Awhad added.

Sandeep Ramdasi, rural and agricultural affairs bureau chief of Marathi news channel ABP Majha said, “This is definitely a positive development. Majority of urban population looks at agriculture as something which is down-market. Bachchan’s association with agriculture will definitely make it a cool thing.”

Although Maharashtra is the largest fruit producing state in India, it is known mainly for its manufacturing. Bachchan’s association will help to establish Maharashtra’s identity as a fruit growing state nationally and internationally, Ramdasi added.