Chandrapur, Jan. 28 -- Late farmer-researcher Dadaji Khobragade, known for developing the HMT rice variety and whose work was recognised by Forbes magazine, was once supported by then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar through financial assistance and land allocation for agricultural research.
Khobragade, a resident of Nanded village in Nagbhid taluka of Maharashtra's Chandrapur district, carried out agricultural experiments on just 1.5 acres of land and developed a rice variety that gained national and international recognition.
His work was acknowledged by the National Innovation Foundation and in 2010 Forbes magazine listed him among India's seven most influential rural entrepreneurs.
In December 2010, Ajit Pawar visited Nanded village ...