Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday that the state government will increase its contribution to the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana (NSMNY) by ₹3,000 per year, raising the total state-funded assistance to ₹9,000 annually. 

 

This initiative aims to ensure eligible farmers receive a combined total of ₹15,000 per year. 

 

Currently, both the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PMKSNY) and NSMNY provide ₹6,000 each annually to eligible farmers. 

 

"The Maharashtra government introduced NSMNY following the model of PMKSNY. Under both schemes, farmers receive ₹6,000 each. Soon, the state's contribution to NSMNY will be increased by ₹3,000, enabling farmers to receive ₹15,000 annually," Fadnavis stated at an event. 

 

He emphasized that this increase reflects the government's dedication to strengthening the agricultural sector, which is crucial to the livelihoods of many in the state. 

 

Addressing past criticism from the Opposition regarding the NKSY, Fadnavis noted that farmers now recognize the financial aid's significance in purchasing essential agricultural inputs. 

 

"This announcement is part of Maharashtra's broader efforts to boost agricultural productivity and reduce financial burdens on farmers. The NSMNY’s additional ₹6,000 annually complements the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, further enhancing farmers' financial support," he added. 

 

Additionally, Fadnavis unveiled plans to transfer approximately 100 TMC of water from the Gosikhurd dam in Vidarbha to Buldana district, located nearly 500 kilometers away. 

 

"The project will channel surplus water from the Vainganga River to the Nalganga in Buldana, effectively creating a new 550-kilometer-long river. This initiative will benefit seven districts in drought-prone areas, helping irrigate nearly 10 lakh acres of farmland," he stated.