Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Addresses Farm Loan Waiver and El Niño Concerns
CM Fadnavis says farm loan waiver unlikely to be hit by poll code, warns of El Niño impact in Maharashtra

Image: The Indian Express
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the proposed farm loan waiver will proceed unaffected by the Model Code of Conduct for upcoming Legislative Council elections, with an announcement expected by June 30. He also warned of potential rainfall deficits in western Vidarbha, Marathwada, and parts of north Maharashtra due to El Niño conditions.
- 01Fadnavis stated that the farm loan waiver scheme will be announced before June 30, 2023.
- 02The India Meteorological Department predicts Maharashtra will receive only 88% of normal rainfall this year.
- 03Western Vidarbha, Marathwada, and parts of north Maharashtra are expected to experience severe rainfall deficits.
- 04Districts have been instructed to prepare special plans to mitigate the effects of El Niño.
- 05Nationalised banks have been directed to improve crop credit disbursal to farmers, aiming for at least 80% of their targets.
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed concerns regarding the proposed farm loan waiver and the potential impact of El Niño on the state's agriculture during a press conference. He confirmed that the waiver announcement will occur before June 30, 2023, and emphasized that it will not be affected by the Model Code of Conduct for the Legislative Council elections, as the beneficiaries are not voters. Fadnavis highlighted projections from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), indicating that Maharashtra is expected to receive only 88% of normal rainfall this year, particularly affecting regions like western Vidarbha, Marathwada, and parts of north Maharashtra. He warned that rainfall distribution may vary significantly within districts and that the gaps between rain spells could increase. To combat these challenges, each district has been instructed to devise special plans. Additionally, Fadnavis urged nationalised banks to meet crop credit disbursal targets, aiming for at least 80% compliance, and stated that they will not require CIBIL scores for crop loan approvals. He expressed confidence in managing any potential defaulters despite anticipated challenges.
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The farm loan waiver and potential rainfall deficits could significantly affect farmers' livelihoods in Maharashtra, particularly in the regions most impacted by El Niño.
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