Fadnavis Announces Major Relief for Farmers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will waive approximately ₹48,000 crore in pending electricity dues of farmers, a move aimed at ensuring easier access to fresh agricultural power connections and reducing the financial burden on the farming community. The announcement comes shortly after the government’s large-scale farm loan waiver initiative, further strengthening its relief measures for the agriculture sector.
Addressing a felicitation programme organised after the announcement of the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme, Fadnavis said that although the government has already been providing free electricity for agricultural pumps up to 7.5 horsepower, many farmers continue to face hurdles in securing new power connections due to outstanding electricity bills accumulated over previous years.
Legacy Dues to Be Cleared
The chief minister said the waiver would completely clear these legacy dues, allowing farmers to obtain new electricity connections without being burdened by old unpaid bills. He added that the state government will bear the financial responsibility for the waiver, ensuring that power distribution companies do not suffer losses.
The decision complements Maharashtra’s existing free electricity scheme for agricultural consumers, under which the government allocates around ₹25,000 crore annually to compensate electricity distribution companies for supplying power to farmers.
Part of Larger Agriculture Support Plan
Fadnavis highlighted that the recently announced farm loan waiver scheme is expected to benefit nearly 56 lakh farmers with an estimated outlay of ₹36,585 crore. The government has also relaxed several eligibility conditions, enabling more farmers to receive assistance under the revised scheme.
He said the Centre and the Maharashtra government together are expected to invest nearly ₹95,000 crore in the agriculture sector this year through irrigation projects, water conservation, cold storage infrastructure, food processing, market linkages and subsidy programmes.
Focus on Sustainable Agriculture
The chief minister emphasised that while loan waivers and electricity relief provide immediate assistance, long-term prosperity for farmers will depend on adopting modern technologies, natural farming practices, efficient irrigation systems and better market access. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making agriculture more productive, sustainable and profitable through technology-driven initiatives and infrastructure development.
