Maharashtra issues fourth loan waiver list, clearing debts of 4.15 lakh farmers before Diwali

The Maharashtra government has released the fourth list under the loan waiver scheme, bringing good news ahead of Diwali for farmers who had been waiting for relief. Waivers for eligible farmers are being processed quickly under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme 2026.

The state government had released the third list on October 12, 2026. The fourth list, issued on October 27, 2026, waives the loans of 4.15 lakh farmers. The third list carried the names of about 3,51,192 farmers in the state. The list, coming just before Diwali, has brought some relief to farmers.

So far, the loans of 15,85,493 of the 25 lakh farmers covered by the scheme have been waived. Marathwada has benefited the most, with 6.27 lakh farmers receiving relief. The government has deposited a full Rs 13,275 crore into farmers' accounts for the scheme.

Farmers who updated their details late or whose KYC was delayed have not yet received the waiver. Such farmers are due to get help before Diwali. According to sources, 4.82 lakh farmers in the state have yet to complete KYC.

Under the norms of the 2026 scheme, outstanding crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh are being waived. This covers farm loans disbursed between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2025, outstanding as of September 30, 2025, and unpaid as of March 31, 2026. Restructured and re-restructured loans, along with crop loans, have also been given the benefit.

Relief has also been given on interest. Interest from April 1, 2026 onwards, and other charges, will be waived in full.

The government has also decided to give advance drought relief of Rs 5,000 to 1.50 crore farmers. The amount is reported to be credited to farmers' accounts this week, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued orders for it. The total expenditure on all this will be Rs 7,500 crore. According to sources, the decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting today.