Krishi Samruddhi Yojana to transform Maharashtra’s farming future

On July 22, 2025, the Maharashtra government launched the ambitious Krishi Samruddhi Yojana, a transformative scheme with a Rs 25,000 crore outlay aimed at revolutionizing the state’s agriculture sector over the next five years. This initiative, announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeks to empower farmers, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices in response to the challenges posed by climate change and rising production costs.

By leveraging modern technology, improving infrastructure, and providing direct financial support, the scheme promises to reshape the agrarian landscape of Maharashtra. This article explores the key components, objectives, and potential impacts of this landmark program.

The Krishi Samruddhi Yojana is designed to address critical issues faced by Maharashtra’s farmers, including high input costs, low productivity, and vulnerability to climate variability. According to Chief Minister Fadnavis, the scheme aims to reduce farming costs while significantly boosting crop yields through targeted interventions. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision of creating a resilient agricultural ecosystem that supports farmers’ livelihoods and ensures food security. By integrating technology and sustainable practices, the scheme seeks to make farming economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

Manikrao Kokate, a key figure in the state’s agriculture department, described the scheme as a “gift to farmers,” emphasizing its focus on empowering rural communities  through capital investment and productivity enhancement. The program’s holistic approach includes modernizing farming techniques, improving access to resources, and fostering climate-resilient agriculture.

Key components of the scheme

1. Infrastructure development

A significant portion of the Rs 25,000 crore budget will be allocated to improving agricultural infrastructure. This includes the development of farm ponds, drip irrigation systems, and mechanization initiatives to optimize water usage and labor efficiency. These measures are critical in a state like Maharashtra, where water scarcity and erratic monsoons pose persistent challenges. By investing in infrastructure, the government aims to create a robust foundation for sustainable farming.

2. Technology and innovation

The Krishi Samruddhi Yojana places a strong emphasis on technology adoption. The scheme is linked to AgriStack, a digital platform that facilitates data-driven farming, enabling farmers to access real-time information on weather, soil health, and market trends. Additionally, the program promotes micro-irrigation and climate-smart crops to enhance resilience against environmental stressors. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms will ensure transparent and efficient delivery of financial assistance to farmers.

3. Support for farmer producer organizations (FPOs)

The scheme prioritizes strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to enhance market access and bargaining power for small and marginal farmers. By fostering collective action, FPOs enable farmers to reduce costs, access better inputs, and secure fair prices for their produce. This component is expected to play a pivotal role in improving farmers’ incomes and reducing dependency on intermediaries.

Implementation and funding

The Maharashtra agriculture department will oversee the implementation of the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana over the next five years, with a clear roadmap for disbursing the Rs 25,000 crore outlay. The scheme adopts a “first-come, first-served” approach for application approvals starting in 2025-26, encouraging farmers to register early through the Maha-DBT portal. This transparent and streamlined process aims to ensure equitable access to benefits.

Funding for the scheme will be drawn from state resources, with potential support from central government programs and institutions like the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The integration of existing agricultural schemes and loans offered by institutions like the Bank of Maharashtra will further amplify the program’s reach.

Potential impact and challenges

The Krishi Samruddhi Yojana has the potential to transform Maharashtra’s agriculture sector by improving productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing farmers’ incomes. The focus on sustainable practices and technology adoption could position Maharashtra as a model for climate-resilient agriculture. However, challenges such as effective implementation, timely disbursal of funds, and ensuring last-mile connectivity for remote farmers must be addressed to realize the scheme’s full potential. Additionally, the success of the program will depend on robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and address gaps.

The Krishi Samruddhi Yojana represents a bold step by the Maharashtra government to empower its farmers and strengthen the state’s agricultural backbone. With a Rs 25,000 crore investment, the scheme addresses critical pain points in farming while embracing innovation and sustainability. As the program rolls out, its success will hinge on efficient execution, farmer participation, and collaboration with stakeholders. If implemented effectively, the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana could serve as a blueprint for agricultural transformation across India, paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient rural economy.