MUMBAI NEWS: The Maharashtra government has announced a major relief package for farmers, including the waiver of around Rs 48,000 crore in pending electricity dues and free daytime electricity for agricultural
pump sets of up to 7.5 horsepower (HP).
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the measures are aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers, reducing cultivation costs and strengthening the rural economy. The announcement was made at a felicitation programme organised by the BJP Kisan Morcha, where the Chief Minister was honoured following the government’s recent farm loan waiver decision.
Government Focused On Reducing Farmers’ Financial Burden
Addressing the gathering, Devendra Fadnavis said the government’s objective is to free farmers from the burden of old loans and unpaid electricity bills so they can invest in agriculture with greater confidence.
He said waiving outstanding electricity dues and providing free daytime power for agricultural pumps would significantly lower operational expenses for farmers. The government is also promoting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology in agriculture, while investing in rural connectivity and water conservation to improve productivity and increase farm incomes.
The Chief Minister said the government’s decision to announce the farm loan waiver was taken in the interest of farmers and was not driven by electoral considerations. “Our commitment to farmers is not about politics; it is our responsibility. Many believed the government would not announce a loan waiver and that protests would be required. But this is the Mahayuti government’s ‘Devabhau Sarkar’ for farmers,” Fadnavis said.
He added that he viewed the event not as a felicitation ceremony but as an opportunity to interact directly with farmers and understand their concerns.
BJP Leaders Hail Farmer-Centric Measures
Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan praised Fadnavis’ farmer-focused policies, saying the Chief Minister has consistently stood by farmers during both favourable and difficult times.
He said Fadnavis goes beyond announcing welfare schemes by visiting villages to understand farmers’ problems and taking decisions based on their needs.
According to Chavan, initiatives such as the farm loan waiver, the construction of farm and access roads, the Jalyukt Shivar water conservation programme, the adoption of AI and modern agricultural technology, and free daytime electricity for farm pumps will strengthen the rural economy by improving productivity while reducing the cost of cultivation.
Farmers Felicitate Chief Minister
During the programme, BJP State General Secretary and MLA Sanjay Kute moved a resolution on behalf of farmers to felicitate the Chief Minister for the government’s initiatives. Farmers present at the event supported the proposal by raising their hands, while slogans of “Devabhau” echoed across the venue.
The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane, Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, BJP Kisan Morcha National General Secretary and MP Anil Bonde, MLAs Randhir Savarkar, Pravin Darekar, Sanjay Kute, Chitra Wagh, BJP Maharashtra Kisan Morcha president Ramakrishna Vetal, senior party leaders, office-bearers and a large number of farmers.
