Introduction

• brief overview of Maharashtra’s agriculture sector government schemes.
• Importance of government schemes in supporting farmers and improving agricultural productivity.

1. Loan Waiver Schemes

• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Loan Waiver Scheme: This Maharashtra government scheme was introduced to provide relief to farmers burdened by debt. It aimed to waive off outstanding crop loans up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per farmer. The scheme was implemented in phases, with the government allocating funds to banks to settle the loans on behalf of the farmers.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana: Launched in 2019, this scheme aimed to provide financial assistance to farmers by waiving off their outstanding crop loans. The scheme covered loans taken from various financial institutions, including cooperative banks and nationalised banks.

2. Crop Insurance Schemes

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme that provides insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases. It aims to ensure farmers’ financial stability and encourage them to adopt modern agricultural practices.
• Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS): WBCIS is another crop insurance scheme that covers yield losses due to adverse weather conditions such as drought, excess rainfall, or nonseasonal weather. It uses weather parameters to assess crop losses and provide compensation to farmers.

3. Irrigation Schemes

• Jalayukta Shivar Yojana: This scheme is a flagship program of the Maharashtra government aimed at making the state drought-free. It focuses on water conservation and the construction of water storage structures such as check dams, farm ponds, and percolation tanks. The scheme also promotes watershed management and soil conservation practices.
• Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan: This scheme is a comprehensive program that focuses on sustainable agriculture and water conservation. It aims to improve soil health, promote organic farming practices, and reduce the dependency on chemical fertilisers. The scheme also includes initiatives to promote crop diversification and enhance farmers’ income.

4. Subsidy Schemes

• Seed Subsidy Scheme: The seed subsidy scheme provides subsidies to farmers for purchasing high-quality seeds. It aims to promote the use of improved varieties of seeds that are resistant to pests and diseases, thereby enhancing crop yield and quality.
• Fertiliser Subsidy Scheme: The fertiliser subsidy scheme aims to make fertilisers more affordable for farmers by providing subsidies on their purchase. It encourages balanced fertiliser use and promotes soil health by reducing the dependency on chemical fertilisers.

5. Market Intervention Schemes

• Minimum Support Price (MSP): While not a scheme specific to Maharashtra, MSP is a policy that ensures farmers receive a minimum price for their produce. It provides farmers with price stability and assures them of a fair return on their investment.
• Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Reforms: Maharashtra has implemented reforms to promote direct marketing and reduce the role of APMCs in agricultural marketing. These reforms aim to provide farmers with better access to markets and improve price realisation for their produce.