Maharashtra Farmers Must Register For ID To Get Subsidies And Insurance From April 15

In an important step to stop corruption and improve the system, the Maharashtra State Agriculture Department has announced that all farmers must use their unique Farmer ID number to receive the benefits of government schemes. This new rule will start from 15 April, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report.

The decision aims to ensure that benefits reach the right people quickly and without any leakages. It will also make the process of giving subsidies, crop insurance, and other support faster and more efficient.

Photo Credit: PTI

The government will use a digital platform called AgriStack Maharashtra Farmer Registration (MHFR) to issue Farmer IDs. This platform is being set up to help farmers get easy access to all services, such as land records, crop insurance, and subsidies. It will also help track crops and land across the state.

According to a senior officer from the agriculture department, over nine million farmers have already received their unique ID number. Under the PM Kisan Yojana, 12 million farmers are given financial help. However, around three million farmers are still left out. The department plans to include them soon.

The officer added, "We want to make sure that every farmer gets covered and the system becomes clean and transparent. This was discussed with the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who agreed that all farmers should have a unique ID."

Last year, the department faced several allegations of corruption when there was a plan to give cash directly to farmers instead of transferring money to their bank accounts. This move was opposed by the then additional chief secretary (agriculture), V Radha, who was later transferred from her post.

The new system is expected to bring more transparency and better results for farmers in the state.