Maharashtra Waives Rs 48,000 Crore in Farmer Electricity Dues

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a one-time waiver of approximately Rs 48,000 crore in outstanding electricity bill arrears for farmers in Maharashtra on July 15 and 16, 2026. The measure targets historical dues for farmers using agricultural pumps up to 7.5 horsepower, which had previously blocked them from securing new power connections. Fadnavis stated that the state will fund these relief measures using high tax yields from the industrial and service sectors.

This electricity waiver complements the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme, which provides relief up to Rs 2 lakh for 56 lakh farmers. While initial estimates for the loan waiver were lower, Agriculture Minister Shriraj Dattatray Bharane confirmed the allocation has been increased to Rs 40,585 crore.

To address long-term agricultural distress, the government is investing in a water grid involving 24 new dams and the Wainganga-Nalganga project to combat drought in 52 percent of the state. This is part of a broader Rs 95,000 crore combined investment with the central government. Additional priorities include a transition to solar energy to ensure 100 percent of farmers have daytime power by year-end and the integration of AI technology to increase farming profitability.