The Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, announced that the state government will waive pending electricity dues amounting to Rs 480 billion (bn) to enable farmers to obtain fresh agricultural power connections. The move was announced at a function where the chief minister was felicitated over a newly declared farm loan waiver scheme. The waiver is intended to clear historical liabilities recorded against farmers and expedite the provision of new connections.

Officials noted that the government had earlier waived electricity bills for agricultural pumps up to seven point five horsepower but farmers continued to face obstacles because old dues remained linked to their names. The chief minister outlined the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme that will waive loans of up to Rs zero point two million (mn). He indicated the scheme would benefit five point six million (mn) farmers and involve an outlay of Rs 365.85 billion (bn).

The government removed restrictions that had applied to beneficiaries of an earlier waiver and withdrew the condition requiring regular loan repayment during the year for eligibility under the new scheme. The agriculture minister later said the allocation for the scheme had been raised from Rs 365.85 billion (bn) to Rs 405.85 billion (bn). Officials added that the Centre and the state will together invest Rs 950 billion (bn) in agriculture through various schemes this year.

The administration outlined plans for sustainable agriculture that include irrigation projects, water conservation, cold storage facilities, value addition, food processing and improved market linkages to raise farm incomes. It said promotion of quality seed, modern methods such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, digital market platforms and partnerships with universities, cooperatives and private firms would be priorities. Officials also urged wider adoption of natural farming inputs and advanced technologies, and said work on long term water conservation and river linking was under way.