Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 25: In a major boost to farmers, the Maharashtra government on Monday announced an increase in financial assistance under the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojna (NSMNY) from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 per year.

With this hike, coupled with the Rs 6,000 received under the Centre’s PM-Kisan Yojna, farmers in Maharashtra will now get total annual assistance of Rs 15,000. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at an event in Nagpur, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s release of the 19th installment of the PM-Kisan Yojna from Bhagalpur, Bihar.

“The state government currently provides Rs 6,000 under NSMNY, matching the Centre’s assistance. Now, this amount will be increased to Rs9,000, ensuring greater financial stability for farmers,” Fadnavis said. The increase in NSMNY was a key BJP poll promise and will be incorporated into the 2025-26 state budget.

Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal also attended the event, emphasizing that the assured funds provide crucial relief to farmers struggling with financial challenges.

Water conservation & solar power push

Fadnavis also highlighted the government’s focus on water conservation through the Jalyukta Shivar Yojna, aimed at enhancing irrigation and tackling drought. He noted that 89 irrigation projects have been completed in Vidarbha, with nearly 150 more underway.

Additionally, the agriculture sector is set for a solar transformation, with plans to shift the entire farm power grid to solar energy within the next five years. “In the past year alone, one lakh farmers have been provided with solar power,” Fadnavis said.

The move to increase farmers' financial aid and expand irrigation and solar power initiatives underscores the state government’s push for agricultural sustainability and rural empowerment.