Free Electricity for Maharashtra Farmers

• 15 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

Maharashtra Chief Minister announced that the government will provide free electricity to 80% of the state’s farmers by December 2026.  

• The Chief Minister emphasised that the government is working to generate 16,000 MW of solar power under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Yojana to ensure 12-hour daytime electricity. 

 Key Points 

• Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Yojana: 
  • This program is a Maharashtra government initiative aimed at promoting solar-powered agriculture through various schemes, including off-grid solar pumps and decentralized solar power projects. 
  • The scheme aims to decouple the irrigation sector from power subsidies, ease the financial burden on other electricity consumers, replace diesel pumps to curb pollution, and promote environmentally sustainable agriculture. 
• Sub-schemes included under this are: 
  • Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana: 
    • This component aims to provide solar-powered agricultural pumps, especially in off-grid areas, to reduce dependence on diesel and ensure reliable daytime irrigation.  
    • It targets the installation of 100,000 off-grid solar pumps, offering subsidies primarily to farmers with small landholdings. 
  • Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0: 
    • The scheme aims to solarize 30% of agricultural feeders through the installation of decentralized solar power projects with a combined capacity of 7,000 MW.  
    • It seeks to ensure daytime electricity for farmers, ease pressure on the conventional power grid, and encourage private sector investment in solar energy. 

 Sustainable Agriculture  

• About: It is a holistic farming approach that meets current food and fiber needs while preserving resources for future generations.   
  • It includes practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and community-supported agriculture, ensuring environmental health, economic viability, and social equity.  
• Benefits:  
  • Environmental Benefits: Improves soil health, conserves water, protects biodiversity, and reduces the carbon footprint.  
  • Economic Benefits: Ensures long-term productivity, lowers costs, creates market opportunities, and enhances climate resilience.  
  • Social Benefits: Produces healthier food, generates employment, and strengthens food security.  
  • Resilience to Climate Change: Organic farming, conservation tillage, and agroforestry sequester carbon, reduce emissions, and boost climate resilience.