Maharashtra Cabinet Approves ₹7,500 Crore Diwali Relief for 1.5 Crore Farmers

The Maharashtra government has approved ₹7,500 crore in advance financial assistance for around 1.5 crore farmers across the state ahead of Diwali. Under the decision, eligible farmers will receive ₹5,000 each to help manage expenses following crop losses caused by drought and other adverse conditions.

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the relief package at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday. The assistance will be transferred directly to eligible farmers' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Farmers whose crops have suffered more than 33% damage in the 304 notified drought-affected talukas will qualify for the advance payment. The initiative aims to provide timely financial support while the government continues to assess agricultural losses and determine the remaining compensation.

₹5,000 Advance Payment to Reach Eligible Farmers Before Diwali

The state government is conducting surveys to assess crop damage across affected areas. These surveys will help officials determine compensation based on the type of crop and the extent of damage in each area.

However, recognizing the immediate financial needs of farming families before Diwali, the government has decided to release ₹5,000 per eligible farmer without waiting for the entire compensation process to be completed.

Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil clarified that the amount is an advance payment and will not reduce or cancel the remaining compensation due to eligible farmers. The final amount will be determined after the prescribed assessment process is completed.

Simplified E-KYC Rules to Help Farmers Receive Relief Faster

The Maharashtra government has introduced measures to reduce paperwork and prevent delays in transferring the assistance.

Farmers who completed their e-KYC under government schemes between November 1, 2025, and the current date will not need to complete the process again to receive this advance assistance.

Forest land-holding farmers who have not yet received their AgriStack Farmer ID will also be eligible for the advance payment based on e-KYC, according to the government announcement.

These provisions are intended to make the relief process easier for eligible beneficiaries and help ensure that financial assistance reaches farmers who need it.

Minimum Farmer Assistance Increased From ₹1,000 to ₹5,000

Another important feature of the Cabinet's decision is the use of individual registered farmers, rather than entire families, as the basis for providing assistance.

The government has also increased the minimum assistance amount from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. This change is expected to benefit farmers with smaller landholdings by ensuring a higher minimum payment under the advance relief package.

The decision provides a uniform advance amount of ₹5,000 to eligible registered farmers, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.

How the ₹7,500 Crore Relief Package Will Help Farmers

Crop losses can place significant financial pressure on farming families, particularly when they have already invested money in seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and field preparation.

The advance assistance is intended to help farmers manage urgent expenses, including:

• Preparing fields for the next cropping season.
• Purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other essential farming supplies.
• Covering cultivation and field preparation costs.
• Meeting household expenses during the period following crop losses.

The financial support may help farmers maintain their agricultural activities while they wait for the assessment of their remaining compensation.

Maharashtra Government Focuses on Timely Support for Drought-Hit Farmers

The ₹7,500 crore package represents an advance relief measure for eligible farmers in 304 drought-affected talukas across Maharashtra. By providing ₹5,000 directly to each eligible registered farmer before Diwali, the government aims to ease immediate financial pressure on agricultural households.

The advance payment will be provided separately from the ongoing crop-loss assessment process, allowing eligible farmers to receive initial assistance while the government determines their remaining compensation.

The initiative is expected to offer timely support to farming families as they prepare for the next agricultural season and manage household needs following crop damage.