Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that Maharashtra govt will give farmers a loan waiver by June 30 this year.“Our preparation for the loan waiver is in the final stages. A cabinet sub-committee meeting was held and some more information is being sought. Thereafter, the actual process will begin,” he said.In April this year, a committee led by Praveen Pardeshi, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (Mitra), was formed to finalise criteria for a loan waiver to farmers in the state. The committee’s submission is a key step in disbursing the loan waiver, which was on the Mahayuti alliance’s manifesto for the state assembly polls in 2024.On Sunday, Fadnavis was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a the Pune Agri Hackathon 2026 at the Agriculture Ground. He also commented that good products emerging from the event would be promoted as startups.Replying to a question on a possible energy crisis, considering the ongoing global conflict and crude oil price rise, Fadnavis reassured that there is no electricity supply problem imminent. “Adequate power is available in the state. Actually, we have more power than we need,” he said.Touching upon the drop in onion prices, the CM said it is an outcome of reduced exports to Bangladesh and Gulf countries due to international conditions. “In addition, increased production has led to lower market demand, which is bringing down prices. Centre has now started procuring onions at Rs12.50 per kg, aimed at giving relief to farmers,” he said.The CM also commented on the announcement of an agitation by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange. Underscoring that the demand to implement the Satara Gazette is being scrutinised legally, he said, “The matter is in Supreme Court. We are properly implementing all schemes declared for the community. Certificates based on the Hyderabad Gazette are given to all those who fulfil the legal criteria.”Asked about his meeting with NCP leader Parth Pawar, the CM only said it was for “some administrative and political issues”. “It is no big deal to meet a leader of an alliance party,” he said.To a question about various drugs-related cases in the state, he said, “Though narcotic substances are a major concern, the allegation that Maharashtra is leading in drug cartels is wrong.”
