Government to clear pending electricity dues
The Maharashtra government has announced a major relief package for farmers by deciding to waive nearly ₹48,000 crore in pending agricultural electricity dues, a move aimed at helping thousands of cultivators obtain fresh power connections for irrigation.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement while addressing a gathering organised to honour him following the rollout of the state’s new farm loan waiver scheme.
According to the Chief Minister, although electricity charges for agricultural pumps up to 7.5 horsepower had already been waived, many farmers continued to face difficulties in getting new electricity connections because unpaid dues from previous years remained linked to their accounts.
“To resolve this issue, the government will take a decision to waive the earlier pending electricity dues amounting to Rs 48,000 crore,” Fadnavis said.
Loan waiver to benefit 56 lakh farmers
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme, under which crop loans of up to ₹2 lakh will be waived.
He said the programme is expected to benefit around 56 lakh farmers across Maharashtra, with the government committing thousands of crores towards its implementation.
Fadnavis added that restrictions imposed under the earlier Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Farm Loan Waiver Scheme have now been relaxed, allowing more eligible farmers to receive assistance. The government has also removed the requirement for beneficiaries to remain regular loan repayers during 2026-27 to qualify for the new scheme.
Focus on modern farming and irrigation
Along with immediate financial relief, the Maharashtra government unveiled a broader strategy to strengthen agriculture through long-term investments.
The Chief Minister said the state will continue investing in irrigation projects, water conservation, cold storage infrastructure, food processing industries, value-addition facilities and better market access for farmers. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would significantly improve farm incomes in the coming years.
The government is also promoting quality seeds, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, modern cultivation practices and digital platforms that connect farmers directly with buyers.
Technology to improve agricultural productivity
Fadnavis said Maharashtra intends to make farming more profitable by expanding the use of advanced agricultural technologies.
He encouraged wider adoption of natural farming techniques such as Jeevamrut, while also promoting Israeli fertigation technology, automated drip irrigation systems and Artificial Intelligence-based farming solutions to reduce production costs and improve soil health.
He added that agricultural universities, cooperative institutions and private organisations would work together to bring modern technology directly to villages.
₹95,000 crore investment planned for agriculture
The Chief Minister announced that the Central and Maharashtra governments together plan to invest around ₹95,000 crore in the agriculture sector during the current year through multiple schemes.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to long-term water conservation projects, including river-linking initiatives designed to reduce drought conditions in vulnerable regions. Plans are also underway to divert surplus floodwater from the Satara-Sangli belt to drought-prone Marathwada through diversion barrages.
Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane said the allocation for the farm loan waiver scheme has now been increased from ₹36,585 crore to ₹40,585 crore, while farmers will continue receiving support through schemes such as the Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh Crop Loan Scheme, Chief Minister Baliraja Free Power Scheme, PM-Kisan and Namo Shetkari Yojana.
Q1. What did Maharashtra announce for farmers?
The Maharashtra government announced a waiver of nearly ₹48,000 crore in pending agricultural electricity dues and expanded benefits under the farm loan waiver scheme.
Q2. Why is the electricity dues waiver important?
It will help farmers whose new electricity connections were delayed because of old unpaid dues.
Q3. How many farmers will benefit from the loan waiver?
The government estimates around 56 lakh farmers will benefit.
Q4. What is the total investment planned for agriculture?
The Centre and Maharashtra government together plan to invest around ₹95,000 crore in agriculture this year.
Q5. Which farming technologies will the government promote?
The government plans to encourage drip irrigation, fertigation, AI-based farming, quality seeds and natural farming practices.
