The Maharashtra government has introduced measures to assist the agricultural and dairy industries. Fruit and vegetable exporters at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) will receive significant concessions due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These include an 80% discount on electricity connection charges for reefer containers, a complete waiver of storage and dwell time charges, and the option to store containers at the port until a new vessel is available.
Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal stated that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East has impacted exports to GCC countries. Following Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s directives, requests were made to Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Piyush Goyal, resulting in prompt action. The concessions are applicable from February 28, 2026, to March 14, 2026, benefiting containers stranded at JNPA and Mundra Port.
Moreover, Chief Minister Fadnavis revealed a reduction in electricity rates for chillers in milk collection centers. The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has introduced a new tariff structure effective July 1, with lowered tariffs for these centers. Fadnavis highlighted the state’s focus on solar energy, offering discounts during solar hours and aiming for 24-hour power supply through battery storage systems.
Fadnavis also emphasized the success of the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana, with 4,000 MW of solar capacity benefiting 800,000 farmers. Plans are in place to install an additional 10,000 MW capacity by year-end to cover 75% of the state’s farmers. Maharashtra’s solar energy model has been recognized by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a flagship scheme, with the government aiming to provide uninterrupted daytime power for farmers.
