<h1>Maharashtra launches hedging desk to help farmers manage price risks for cotton turmeric maize crops</h1> The Maharashtra government launched a hedging desk in Pune under the SMART Project to help farmers manage price risks for cotton, turmeric, and maize crops. The initiative, supported by NCDEX, aims to protect farmers from market price fluctuations through hedging and options trading. The desk will train over 3,000 farmers, provide market intelligence, and work with Farmer Producer Organizations. At least 50 FPOs will be registered for futures market trading. The project focuses on nine districts and aims to ensure stable income for farmers while reducing dependency on unpredictable market conditions.