Rabi Output in Maharashtra is likely to Suffer

The rabi output in Maharashtra is likely to be affected because the state government has launched a drive to cut off power to agricultural water pumps in order to recover approximately 41,000 crore in debt.

According to Energy Minister Nitin Raut, various state departments, including the Urban Development Department, have failed to pay Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (MSEDCL). Farmers have also failed to pay dues totaling 41,000 crore.

The State Energy Department has begun a campaign to cut off the power supply to defaulters. Previously, the state government tried and failed to recover the debt through various concession schemes.

Farmers across the state are protesting as the government reduces the power supply. Anil Ghanwat, leader of the Shetkari Sanghatana, has issued a legal notice to the government, claiming that cutting power supply to farmers violates the Food Security Act. Ghanwat stated that if the government continues to cut power to water pumps, the rabi crop will suffer.

Minister Raut, on the other hand, recently stated that the government has no choice but to take stringent measures to recover the debts and streamline the operations of MSEDCL, which is in financial distress.

Why is Rabi Crop so Important?

According to the State government's final sowing report, compared to the average 51.20 lakh hectares under rabi cultivation, 55.70 lakh hectares (108.79%) are under cultivation this season. Foodgrains and pulses are skyrocketing in price. “Farmers are expecting good rabi returns because the Kharif crop was damaged by unseasonal rains and farmers are facing financial difficulties." A lot is dependent on the rabi crop. "If the government starts causing more problems by cutting off power, the distress will multiply," says farmer Hemant Pawar.

Farmer leaders have called attention to the rising number of suicides in the state and asked the government to halt the power outage campaign.

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