These projects, along with the increased financial aid and focus on sustainable energy and water management, represent a multi-pronged approach to strengthening the agricultural sector in Maharashtra and empowering its farmers.
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector, the Maharashtra government has announced a substantial increase in financial assistance under the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojna (NSMNY). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed the hike from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 per year during an event in Nagpur on Monday, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s release of the 19th instalment of the PM-Kisan Yojna from Bhagalpur, Bihar on Monday.
This increase, combined with the Rs 6,000 provided by the central government under the PM-Kisan Yojna, will bring the total annual assistance for farmers in Maharashtra to Rs 15,000. “The state government currently provides Rs 6,000 under NSMNY, matching the Centre’s assistance. Now, this amount will be increased to Rs 9,000, ensuring greater financial stability for farmers,” Fadnavis said. This boost to the NSMNY was a key promise made by the BJP during the election campaign. Sources told OWSA that this scheme will be formally incorporated into the 2025-26 state budget.
Maharashtra minister of state for agriculture Ashish Jaiswal, who also attended the Nagpur event, emphasised the critical role of these assured funds in providing relief to farmers facing persistent financial challenges. The increased financial aid is expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
Focus on Water Conservation and Solar Energy
Beyond the increased financial aid, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the state government’s commitment to water conservation through the Jalyukta Shivar Yojna. This initiative aims to enhance irrigation capabilities and mitigate the impact of droughts. According to Fadnavis, 89 irrigation projects have been successfully completed in the Vidarbha region, with nearly 150 more currently underway. These projects are crucial for ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture, especially in drought-prone areas.
Looking towards a sustainable future for agriculture, Fadnavis also announced ambitious plans to transition the entire farm power grid to solar energy within the next five years. “In the past year alone, one lakh farmers have been provided with solar power,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to this initiative. The shift to solar power will not only reduce the environmental impact of agriculture but also provide farmers with a more reliable and cost-effective energy source.
Government’s Commitment to Agricultural Development
The government is set to publicise these initiatives – the increased financial aid, the focus on water conservation, and the push for solar energy – as demonstration of the Maharashtra government’s comprehensive approach to agricultural sustainability and rural empowerment. The government, an official of the ministry of agriculture said, aims to not only provide immediate financial relief to farmers but also create long-term solutions for the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting the agricultural sector, which plays a vital role in the livelihoods of a large portion of the state’s population. He acknowledged past criticism regarding the NSMNY, but emphasised that farmers now recognise the benefits of the financial assistance in procuring essential inputs for agricultural production.
Earlier Initiatives and Continued Support
In October 2023, Prime Minister Modi released approximately Rs 2,000 crore to Maharashtra farmers as the fifth instalment of the NSMNY. To date, Maharashtra has received around Rs 32,000 crores under the scheme, distributed to approximately 1.20 crore farmers in 17 instalments, the second highest among all Indian states. In the 18th instalment, over Rs 1,900 crore was disbursed to approximately 91.51 lakh farmers.
The government also continues to support agricultural infrastructure through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), the official of the agriculture ministry said. Since its launch in 2020, the AIF has facilitated the sanctioning of numerous projects aimed at enhancing post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets. These projects, along with the increased financial aid and focus on sustainable energy and water management, represent a multi-pronged approach to strengthening the agricultural sector in Maharashtra and empowering its farmers.
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