Maharashtra cabinet approves Rs 5,000 advance for drought-hit farmers before Diwali

The state government on Tuesday took a key decision for farmers hit by drought conditions. Farmers in drought-affected areas will be given an advance of Rs 5,000 before Diwali 2026. The state government believes the amount will help sweeten the farmers' Diwali.

The decision was approved at a state cabinet meeting held in Mumbai. The remaining amount will be paid to farmers after the panchnamas (damage assessments) of the damaged crops are completed. Before that, Rs 5,000 of it is being given to farmers in advance.

According to the meeting, money will start reaching farmers' bank accounts within the next two days. By coming Thursday, Rs 7,500 crore will be deposited in the accounts of 1.5 crore farmers in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced assistance for farmers last month. The government has now decided that, whenever the panchnamas are done and the full assistance arrives, farmers should have a good Diwali, so Rs 5,000 should be paid in advance.

Farmers who have a Farmer ID will have Rs 5,000 sent directly to their bank accounts. For those without a Farmer ID, the assistance will be given after their KYC is verified.

Farmers were also worried that banks would deduct their outstanding loan dues as soon as the assistance reached their accounts. At today's cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Fadnavis directed officials to issue clear orders to banks that no bank will deduct this money.

Meanwhile, in view of the drought, the Chief Minister has asked for special attention to water conservation. Officials have been told to place particular emphasis on building small dams, widening ponds and desilting. The cabinet meeting discussed building small dams with public participation, as was done in Raigad, to hold back water and increase percolation. All ministers were also directed to plan water use properly in their respective districts.

Separately, the fourth list under the farm loan waiver has also been released. It includes 4 lakh 15 thousand farmers.