BackECONOMY
State’s ₹27K-crore loan waiver to cover up to 40 lakh farmers
Maharashtra plans a ₹27,000 crore farm loan waiver, covering up to 40 lakh farmers, named the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Debt Waiver Scheme. A Pardeshi-headed committee formed in Oct 2025 submitted its report, and the 2026-27 budget announced the scheme with relief up to ₹2 lakh and incentives up to ₹50,000, with implementation planned before the kharif season using Agri Stack.
Why It Matters
The move provides substantial debt relief for farmers amid ongoing agricultural distress and reflects the policy balance between waivers and long-term reforms.
Timeline
4 Events
Article reports details and reactions; implementation timeline and public demand for transparency
April 27, 2026
The article notes the All India Kisan Sabha's demand to make the report public and includes statements from senior officials about implementing the scheme before the kharif season using Agri Stack. It also references historical farm loan waivers under MJPSKY and CSMSSY schemes.
Budget announcement of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Debt Waiver Scheme
April 2026
The scheme was announced in the 2026-27 Maharashtra budget. It provides relief of up to ₹2 lakh on overdue crop loans up to September 30, 2025, and offers incentives of up to ₹50,000 for timely repayment. The total budgetary cost is about ₹27,000 crore and the loan waiver is named the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Debt Waiver Scheme.
Panel submits report and outlines long-term measures
April 2026
The Pardeshi committee submitted its report to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in April 2026. The report recommends a ₹27,000 crore loan waiver scheme covering up to 40 lakh farmers and proposes long-term measures to reduce dependence on waivers, including promoting group farming and ensuring timely financial aid to farmers affected by unseasonal rains and other calamities. It also notes delays in aid pushing farmers toward informal credit.
Committee formed to study farm loan waiver after protests
October 2025
A committee headed by Praveen Pardeshi was formed in October 2025 after protests by Prahar Janshakti leader Bachu Kadu demanding a farm loan waiver.