In a significant move for the agricultural sector, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed a massive Rs 48,000 crore waiver on outstanding electricity bill arrears for the state’s farmers. The decision, announced at a farmers’ gratitude event by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kisan Morcha, aims to offer a fresh start to farmers. While the state government already provides free electricity for pumps up to 7.5 horsepower (HP), this waiver will clear all historical dues.
Supported by a yearly Rs 25,000 crore power subsidy, the Solar Pump and Solar Agricultural Feeder schemes currently supply daytime electricity to 76 percent of the state’s farmers. Fadnavis assured that all farmers will have access to daytime power by the year-end. The Chief Minister emphasized that the move to write off Rs 48,000 crore in old electricity bills is to enable farmers to pave the way for progress and prosperity.
Fadnavis highlighted the government’s shift towards solar and sustainable energy to benefit rural communities, with the aim to extend free daytime agricultural power to 100 percent of farmers by year-end. He clarified that the recent loan and electricity waivers were strategic policy decisions, not election tactics. The Chief Minister stressed that the government’s focus is solely on farmers’ welfare, criticizing opposition parties for politicizing agrarian issues.
The government’s efforts since 2014 have included successful interventions like the Jalyukt Shivar and Magel Tyala Shettale schemes, enabling farmers to transition to multiple-crop systems. Group farming is being promoted to enhance yields and reduce costs, while incentives for natural farming practices are being provided. Fadnavis outlined an economic strategy to sustainably fund agricultural relief by reinvesting tax revenues from thriving sectors into rural infrastructure.
Addressing Maharashtra’s drought-prone areas, Fadnavis unveiled plans for river-linking projects to redirect surplus rainwater and increase water availability in arid regions. The state aims to complete long-term water and agricultural projects worth Rs 6 lakh crore to ensure a drought-free future for generations to come.
