India, Sept. 19 -- The Centre has sought information from the Maharashtra government on its decision to grant "agriculture status" to poultry, dairy and animal husbandry, and fishery sectors, a groundbreaking decision that was announced in July. Before this, farmers in these sectors could not avail benefits of any agriculture scheme, but the new status makes them eligible for all schemes and loans by placing them at par with traditional farmers.

Animal Husbandry and Fishery department secretary N Ramaswamy said, "The Maharashtra government recently took this very important decision which will have a huge impact on allied sectors. The central government immediately took notice of it and sought detailed information. They will discuss our d...