The state government has included some more important officials in the high-powered committee established for the debt relief of farmers in the state. This committee is operational with the aim of bringing about radical changes in the lives of farmers, making them permanently debt-free, and making well-studied recommendations to remove structural difficulties in the agricultural sector. The committee now includes the Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources), Principal Secretary (Information and Technology), Secretary (Pudum), Agriculture Commissioner, and Managing Director of MahaIT. It is believed that the inclusion of these new members will make the committee's efficiency and scope of study more comprehensive.
The state government has clarified that this committee is to submit its final report in the first week of April 2026. Based on this report, the direction, form, and criteria for farmers' loan waivers will be determined. The government has also promised to announce the loan waiver before June 30, 2026. Notably, after the agitation led by Bacchu Kadu for farmers' debt relief, the state government decided to establish this high-level committee in October 2025.
The Chief Minister's chief economic advisor and CEO of 'Mitra', Praveen Pardeshi, has been appointed as the chairman of this committee. Initially a 9-member committee, it has now been expanded. A large number of farmers in the state are still trapped in debt. Natural disasters, increased production costs, market price instability, and reduced income have deepened the financial crisis for farmers. Against this backdrop, the committee will focus on suggesting long-term and sustainable solutions rather than just temporary loan waivers.
The committee will study all aspects such as the use of technology in the agricultural sector, water management, digital services, market improvements, and the formulation of new policies to increase farmers' income. The main objective of the committee is to elevate the standard of living of farmers through short-term and long-term measures. The report of this committee is being closely watched by farmers, political parties, and experts in the agricultural sector in the state. Only after the committee's recommendations will the state government make a final decision regarding farmers' loan waivers, and therefore, there is a possibility of significant reassuring announcements for farmers in the near future.