Maharashtra to Waive ₹48,000 Crore Power Bill Arrears for Farmers With Up to 7.5 HP Pump Connections, Announces CM Fadnavis

Power Bill Waiver to Help Farmers Get New Electricity Connections and Reduce Financial Stress

Maharashtra has announced a major relief package for farmers by deciding to waive pending electricity bill arrears worth ₹48,000 crore for eligible agricultural consumers. The decision, announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is expected to benefit farmers with agricultural pump connections of up to 7.5 horsepower (HP) by clearing long-pending dues that have prevented many from obtaining new electricity connections.

The announcement marks one of the state's biggest financial support measures for the agriculture sector and is aimed at improving access to electricity while easing the economic burden on farmers.

₹48,000 Crore Electricity Bill Waiver for Eligible Farmers

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision during a farmers' felicitation event held at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai. The event recognized the implementation of Maharashtra's earlier farm loan waiver program, under which eligible farmers received loan relief of up to ₹2 lakh.

Speaking at the event, Fadnavis said many farmers continue to face challenges in getting new agricultural electricity connections because of unpaid power bills accumulated over several years. The newly announced waiver will remove those pending dues for farmers with pump connections of up to 7.5 HP, making it easier for them to access electricity for irrigation and farming activities.

The government believes that improved access to electricity will help farmers increase productivity while reducing financial pressure caused by outstanding utility payments.

Maharashtra Expands Financial Support for Agriculture

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government's broader investment plans for the agriculture sector. According to Fadnavis, the Central and Maharashtra governments have together allocated nearly ₹95,000 crore for agriculture and allied schemes during the current financial year.

The funding is intended to support various initiatives that improve farm productivity, strengthen rural incomes, and encourage sustainable agricultural development across the state.

Officials said these investments are designed to provide long-term support rather than short-term financial relief alone.

Government Focuses on Modern Farming and Better Infrastructure

Along with the electricity bill waiver, the Maharashtra government is expanding investments in agricultural infrastructure and technology.

The state plans to strengthen:

• Irrigation and water conservation projects
• Cold storage and warehouse facilities
• Food processing and value addition industries
• Better market access for farmers
• Supply chain improvements for agricultural produce

The government believes these measures will help farmers earn better prices while reducing post-harvest losses.

Technology to Play a Bigger Role in Maharashtra Agriculture

The state is also encouraging farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies that improve productivity while lowering cultivation costs.

Among the initiatives being promoted are:

• High-quality certified seeds
• Artificial intelligence (AI)-based farming solutions
• Precision farming techniques
• Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems
• Digital platforms that connect farmers directly with buyers

The Chief Minister also emphasized the benefits of Israeli fertigation technology, automated irrigation systems, and natural farming methods that can improve soil health while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.

Experts have increasingly recommended precision irrigation and technology-driven farming practices as effective ways to improve water efficiency and boost crop yields, particularly in water-stressed regions.

Collaboration With Universities and Private Sector

Fadnavis said the government is working closely with agricultural universities, cooperative institutions, research organizations, and private companies to bring advanced farming practices to villages across Maharashtra.

The objective is to help farmers gain easier access to modern equipment, scientific knowledge, and innovative farming techniques that can improve long-term agricultural productivity.

Water Security Remains a Key Priority

The Chief Minister also reiterated the state's commitment to addressing recurring drought conditions in several parts of Maharashtra.

He said ongoing projects include river-linking initiatives and water diversion plans that aim to transfer excess floodwater from western Maharashtra to drought-prone regions such as Marathwada. These projects are expected to improve water availability for irrigation and strengthen long-term agricultural resilience.

Agriculture Sector Set for Long-Term Growth

The Maharashtra government's latest electricity bill waiver is expected to provide immediate financial relief to thousands of farmers while removing a major obstacle to obtaining new agricultural power connections.

Combined with investments in irrigation, technology, infrastructure, market access, and water conservation, the initiative reflects the state's broader strategy to modernize agriculture and improve farm incomes over the coming years. Officials say sustained investment and coordinated efforts between the state and Central governments will play an important role in strengthening Maharashtra's agricultural economy over the next decade.