Maharashtra to Provide Free Electricity for Farmers by 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Maharashtra CM announces free electricity for 80% of farmers by December 2026 |
| Initiative | Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Yojana |
| Objective | Promote solar-powered agriculture, ensure 12-hour daytime electricity, and decouple irrigation sector from power subsidies |
| Key Sub-schemes | Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana: 100,000 off-grid solar pumps for small landholders; Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0: Solarize 30% of agricultural feeders with 7,000 MW capacity |
| Targets | 16,000 MW solar power generation, replace diesel pumps, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable agriculture |
| Sustainable Agriculture | Holistic farming approach focusing on crop rotation, organic farming, and community-supported agriculture to ensure environmental health, economic viability, and social equity |
| Benefits | Environmental: Improved soil health, water conservation, biodiversity protection, reduced carbon footprint; Economic: Long-term productivity, lower costs, market opportunities, climate resilience |
| Social Benefits | Healthier food production, employment generation, food security, and climate change resilience |
| Climate Resilience | Practices like organic farming, conservation tillage, and agroforestry help sequester carbon, reduce emissions, and enhance climate resilience |