Maharashtra Farm Loan Waiver Scheme 2026 Latest Update: Maharashtra government is now thinking about expanding the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana to cover around 5.75 lakh farmers who were left out of earlier loan waiver schemes from 2017 and 2019. This expansion was discussed in a recent Cabinet meeting, and if approved, it will add about ₹1,400 crore more to the state's financial load, on top of the already approved ₹36,585 crore outlay. Opposition parties and farmer groups have also been raising concerns that the current scheme's eligibility rules might leave out many distressed farmers, which is what is pushing the government to reconsider the coverage.
Maharashtra cabinet has given the green light to a massive farm loan waiver scheme, and nearly 56 lakh farmers across the state are set to get relief on their crop loans. The scheme, officially called Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana (PAHSKY), was first announced in the state budget on March 6, 2026, and has now received formal cabinet approval on June 2, 2026, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The total financial outlay for this scheme stands at ₹36,585 crore, making it one of the biggest farm relief measures Maharashtra has seen.
Under this scheme, eligible farmers will get their crop loans waived off up to ₹2 lakh. Loans taken between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2025, qualify under this scheme. On top of that, farmers who have been repaying their loans regularly and are not classified as defaulters will get a special incentive amount of ₹50,000 as a reward. Although the cabinet has already approved the plan, the formal public announcement is on hold right now because the Model Code of Conduct is in force due to the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. The scheme is expected to be officially launched and made operational once the election process is over.
Also read: Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana - Apply / Register Online @ ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana 2026 - Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana (PAHSKY) |
| Launched By | Government of Maharashtra (CM Devendra Fadnavis) |
| Cabinet Approval Date | June 2, 2026 |
| Loan Eligible Period | April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2025 |
| Beneficiaries | ~56 lakh farmers (65+ lakh accounts) |
| Loan Waiver Amount | Up to ₹2 lakh per farmer |
| Incentive for Regular Payers | ₹50,000 |
| Total Scheme Outlay | ₹36,585 crore |
| Expansion Under Consideration | 5.75 lakh excluded farmers (+₹1,400 crore) |
| Implementing Authority | Department of Agriculture, Maharashtra |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account |
| Official Website | maharashtra.gov.in |
What is Covered Under This Scheme
This scheme works in two parts and helps both types of farmers. First, those who have defaulted on their crop loans due to genuine reasons like crop failure, bad weather, or money problems will get their outstanding loan amount cleared up to ₹2 lakh. Second, those who have been regularly paying their crop loan installments on time will get a cash incentive of ₹50,000 directly into their bank account as a reward for their financial discipline. This way, the government is making sure that both struggling farmers and responsible farmers both get something out of this scheme.
According to the state government, there are about 65 lakh farmer bank accounts linked to crop loans totaling ₹36,585 crore. Of these, close to 56 lakh farmers qualify for the waiver benefit under the approved scheme. The government has also clarified that there is no landholding limit under this scheme, which means small, marginal, and even larger landholding farmers can all apply as long as they meet the other conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
To get the benefit of this loan waiver, a farmer needs to check a few basic conditions. Here is what the eligibility looks like based on the official scheme guidelines:
- Maharashtra resident: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra with valid proof of domicile.
- Crop loan period: Only crop loans taken between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2025, are eligible. Loans taken outside this window will not qualify.
- Loan amount limit: The total outstanding crop loan should not exceed ₹2 lakh to get the full waiver benefit.
- Type of loan: Only short-term crop loans taken from nationalized banks, district central cooperative banks, rural banks, and state cooperative banks are covered. Personal loans or other types of loans are not covered.
- Aadhaar linkage: The farmer's Aadhaar card must be linked to the bank account where the loan was taken so the money can be transferred directly.
Who is Excluded from PAHSKY
The current scheme has some clear exclusions that have drawn criticism from opposition parties and farmer groups. Farmers who fall into either of these categories will not be eligible for the waiver benefit under the present rules:
- Income taxpayers: Farmers who file income tax returns (on non-agricultural income) are excluded from this waiver scheme.
- Government employees: Any farmer who is also a central or state government employee is not eligible to claim benefits under PAHSKY.
It is these exclusion rules that have pushed opposition parties and farmer organizations to demand wider coverage. The government's current consideration of including the 5.75 lakh farmers excluded from the 2017 and 2019 schemes is seen as a direct response to this pressure.
Documents Required
When the registration portal goes live, you will need to keep a few important documents ready to complete your application quickly. Make sure you have these arranged in advance:
- Aadhaar Card: Your Aadhaar number linked to your mobile number and bank account is mandatory for identity verification.
- 7/12 Extract (Satbara Utara): Your land record document as proof that you are an active farmer and the crop loan was taken for agriculture.
- Bank Loan Account Passbook: A copy of the passbook or statement from the bank where you took the crop loan, showing the outstanding amount.
- Farmer Registry Registration Number: Your registration number from the Maharashtra farmer registry system.
- Mobile Number: Your registered mobile number for OTP verification during the application process.
How to Apply for PAHSKY Farm Loan Waiver (Once Portal Goes Live)
The government is setting up a digital portal for the scheme registration. The cooperative department has also written a letter to the Election Commission of India asking for permission to publicize the scheme so farmers can get fresh Kharif season loans from banks without delay. Here is how the application process is expected to work once the portal is launched:
STEP 1 - Go to the official Maharashtra government website at maharashtra.gov.in or visit the dedicated scheme portal link that will be shared once it goes live. Look for the link that says "Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana" or "PAHSKY" on the homepage.
STEP 2 - Click on the "New Registration" or "Apply Online" button. Enter your Aadhaar number and your registered mobile number in the fields shown. An OTP will be sent to your mobile number to verify your identity.
STEP 3 - Once the OTP is verified, the system will automatically fetch your crop loan details linked to your Aadhaar from the bank records. Cross-check the loan amount and bank account details shown on the screen to make sure they are correct.
STEP 4 - Upload the scanned copies or clear photos of your 7/12 extract and bank passbook as required. Enter your Farmer Registry registration number in the box provided.
STEP 5 - Review all the filled details carefully and then click on "Submit" to complete your application. Save the reference number or acknowledgment that appears on the screen after submission. You can use this number to track your application status later.
How to Check Beneficiary List / Verify Your Name
Once the registration window closes and the government processes applications, a final beneficiary list will be published on the official portal. To check if your name is in the list, visit the scheme portal and click on the "Beneficiary Status" or "Search Name in List" section. You will need to enter your district name, taluka, and village details along with your Aadhaar number or application reference number. If your name is confirmed in the list, the waiver amount will be transferred directly to your loan account through the DBT system, meaning the money goes straight to the bank that gave you the loan.
What About the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Shetkari Karj Mukti Yojana
Maharashtra has had earlier farm loan waiver schemes before this one. The previous Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Shetkari Karj Mukti Yojana covered loans taken between April 2015 and March 2019 with a cut-off of September 30, 2019. PAHSKY is different because it is a fresh scheme by the current Mahayuti government covering a new set of loans with a different eligible period. The government is now also looking at including around 5.75 lakh farmers who missed out on both the 2017 and 2019 schemes, which would be an additional ₹1,400 crore in relief if approved.
FAQ's
How much loan will be waived under this scheme?
Crop loans taken between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2025, will be waived up to ₹2 lakh per farmer. If your loan amount is more than ₹2 lakh, only ₹2 lakh will be waived and the remaining balance will still be your responsibility.
What is the ₹50,000 incentive and who gets it?
Farmers who have been repaying their crop loans regularly on time and are not classified as loan defaulters will get a cash incentive of ₹50,000. This amount will be credited directly to their bank account through DBT as a reward for timely repayment.
Is there any landholding limit to be eligible?
No. According to the state government, there is no landholding limit specified under this scheme. Small, marginal, and other farmers can all apply as long as their crop loan meets the other conditions.
When will the scheme officially launch and portal open?
Cabinet approval has already been given on June 2, 2026. However, the formal public announcement and launch of the portal is on hold because the Model Code of Conduct is in force for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. The scheme is expected to be officially launched and registration opened as soon as the election code of conduct is lifted.
Are income taxpayers and government employees eligible?
No. The current scheme specifically excludes income taxpayers and government employees. This exclusion has drawn criticism, and the government is now discussing whether to widen coverage, but for now these groups remain outside the scheme's benefit.
What about farmers excluded from the 2017 and 2019 schemes?
Around 5.75 lakh farmers who were left out of earlier loan waivers in 2017 and 2019 may soon be covered under an expansion of PAHSKY. This is under active consideration by the cabinet and could add about ₹1,400 crore to the scheme's total cost. A final decision on this has not yet been taken.
What if my Aadhaar is not linked to my bank account?
You must visit your bank branch right away and link your Aadhaar card to your crop loan account. Without this linkage, the DBT transfer of the waiver amount cannot happen and you may miss out on the benefit.
Is there any application fee for this scheme?
No, the registration and application process is completely free of cost. Do not pay any money to anyone who claims to help with registration or to put your name in the beneficiary list.